Elon Musk's satellite internet company Starlink, which offers speeds of up to 200 megabits per second (Mbps), will only be available on two million connections in India, according to Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar.
Key Highlights
- Starlink capped at 2 million users in India amid spectrum constraints and rural focus.
- One-time hardware cost at ₹33,000 and ₹3,000 monthly subscription expected; speeds range up to 200 Mbps.
Following a review meeting with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), the Minister of State for Telecom played down concerns that Starlink would pose a threat to other telecom operators or state-run BSNL.
He ascribed this to Starlink's focus on rural and isolated areas and the high cost of its services. He clarified that the high installation and monthly fees, which come to around Rs. 3,000, would make it an expensive choice for many users.
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), India's space regulator, granted Starlink the final license earlier this month, opening the door for commercial operations. After waiting for complete government approval for two years, this approval removed the last regulatory barrier to Starlink's market debut.
After Reliance Jio and OneWeb from Eutelsat, Starlink is now the third satellite provider authorized to provide services in India. To meet India's security standards, Starlink must still acquire government spectrum, establish ground infrastructure, and undergo testing.
Also Read: Starlink Set to Enter India with Rs 8,000 Cr Launch for 700-750 LEO Satellites
Starlink intends to distribute its kits through its telecom partners, Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio, which signed distribution agreements in April.
