- Elon Musk’s Starlink receives official approval to launch internet services in India.
- Reliance Jio and Airtel partner with SpaceX to extend rural connectivity.
- Launch expected in late 2025 with kits priced at ₹33,000 and speeds up to 220 Mbps.
India has officially granted SpaceX’s Starlink the license to operate in the country, paving the way for the launch of satellite internet services. Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia confirmed the decision after discussions with SpaceX COO Gwynne Shotwell.
Starlink’s entry into India will also be supported through collaborations with telecom giants Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, ensuring seamless coverage and distribution.
Starlink to Launch in India: What to Expect from Elon Musk’s Satellite Internet Rollout
SpaceX’s Starlink is redefining how internet access is delivered by using a constellation of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, which are significantly closer to Earth than traditional satellites. This proximity reduces latency and provides more consistent internet performance, especially in hard-to-reach geographies.
With over 100 countries already using Starlink, India’s inclusion adds a massive new user base and a critical testing ground for large-scale rural deployment. India’s geography and population density present a unique challenge—and opportunity—for the LEO satellite model.
The two planned subscription tiers, “Residential Lite” and “Full Residential,” aim to serve a wide range of users. The former is intended for basic browsing and light streaming, while the latter caters to households with heavier usage such as gaming, 4K streaming, and multiple simultaneous connections.
Beyond consumer use, Starlink’s infrastructure could support emergency services, educational institutions in tribal areas, and health services in remote districts. Its flexibility and independence from terrestrial grid lines position it as a complementary force in India’s Digital Bharat mission.
Starlink’s entry into India is not just a business move but a technological leap toward democratizing internet access. With support from leading telecom partners and government backing, it’s poised to redefine how India connects.
“The future belongs to those who connect the unconnected.” – Unknown
