Elon Musk’s Starlink to Launch Satellite Internet in India for Rs 840/Month
New Delhi, 27th May 2025: Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture, Starlink, is preparing to roll out its services in India, aiming to revolutionize rural and remote area connectivity. According to a report by The Economic Times, the company plans to offer promotional unlimited data plans for under $10 (approx. ₹840) per month, making satellite internet more accessible to the Indian masses.
However, the launch is currently awaiting final approval from IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center)—the nodal agency regulating private space activities in India.
Starlink’s Vision for India
Starlink, a part of Musk’s aerospace firm SpaceX, aims to tap into India’s vast underserved internet market. The company is targeting 10 million (1 crore) users in the medium to long term, focusing particularly on rural and remote regions where conventional telecom networks often fail to reach.
The satellite-based communication system offers both internet and calling services without the need for traditional mobile networks, using a constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites to beam connectivity directly to user devices.
Bridging the Digital Divide
This initiative is expected to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural India. In areas lacking reliable telecom infrastructure, Starlink’s service could provide consistent internet and calling access, thereby supporting education, e-commerce, healthcare, and digital governance.
With India’s push for Digital Bharat and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a digitally inclusive economy, Starlink’s entry could be a game-changer for connectivity in remote villages, border regions, and hilly terrains.
Affordable Pricing Could Drive Adoption
In a bid to make satellite internet more affordable, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has proposed that monthly user charges for satellite services in urban areas be capped at ₹500. With Starlink’s pricing expected to be competitive, industry experts anticipate a rapid increase in user adoption.
Starlink currently operates in over 105 countries worldwide, offering high-speed satellite broadband services. The company has also launched next-generation satellites equipped with direct-to-device capabilities, which will allow phones to connect to satellites without additional hardware.
What’s Next?
Once it receives the necessary regulatory approvals, Starlink is expected to begin phased operations in India. The initial rollout may focus on strategically important or connectivity-challenged regions, before expanding to broader geographies.
As India continues its journey towards becoming a digitally empowered society, Starlink’s arrival could play a pivotal role in reshaping the country’s internet landscape—one satellite at a time.
