New Delhi, May 25: Elon Musk’s Starlink is one step closer to becoming a reality in India. The government has given a Letter of Intent (LoI) to SpaceX’s satellite internet wing, paving the way for the firm to provide high-speed satellite internet in the country. Powered by thousands of low-Earth orbit satellites, Starlink hopes to bring blazing-fast internet to even the most rural parts of India.
So, how much and what do you get? Break it down with me.
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Starlink Internet Pricing in India: What to Expect
Although Indian prices haven’t been officially announced yet, analysts estimate Starlink may provide promotional promotional packages beginning at less than $10 (around ₹840/month) to target initial adopters and rural customers.
However, when the service grows, monthly plans are likely to cost between ₹3,000 to Rs7000, varying with the plan and location. Users will also have to purchase Starlink hardware kits, which will contribute to the expense.
Estimated Starlink Plans and Hardware Costs
Here’s a snapshot of the expected Starlink offerings based on global pricing trends:
| Starlink Product | Hardware Cost | Monthly Cost | Data | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Internet | $349 (₹30,000) | $120 (₹10,200) | Unlimited | For stationary use |
| Starlink Mini (Portable) | $599 (₹51,300) | $50 (₹4,300) | 50GB | Great for mobility |
| $165 (₹14,100) | Unlimited | |||
| Maritime (Boats) | $2,500 (₹2.14 lakh) | $250 (₹21,400) | 50GB | Optional accessories extra |
| $1,000 (₹85,500) | Unlimited | Premium maritime plan | ||
| Stationary for Boats | $349 (₹30,000) | $250 (₹21,400) | 50GB | Stationary maritime use |
Note: Prices are indicative and may change when officially launched in India.
Why Choose Starlink Over Traditional Broadband?
Starlink may appear to be costly compared to local broadband plans at ₹300/month, but it has one huge advantage–availability. Unlike fiber-optic or cable broadband, which relies on ground-based infrastructure, Starlink connects people through satellites, making it perfect for:
- Rural and remote areas
- Disaster-prone zones
- Mobile or maritime setups
- Military, education, and healthcare in underserved regions
What’s in the Starlink Kit?
The standard Starlink kit includes:
- A satellite dish (Dishy McFlatface)
- Wi-Fi router
- Mounting tripod
- Cables and power supply
Mini kits, useful for on-the-go connectivity, are also expected to be available with smaller hardware but similar speeds.
When Will Starlink Launch in India?
Starlink has received the LoI from the Indian government. However, for full commercial rollout, it still needs:
- Spectrum allocation approval
- IN-SPACe clearance (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre)
If all goes well, Starlink could launch services by the end of 2025.
The company is reportedly in talks with Indian telecom giants like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel for partnerships, which may simplify retail availability, support services, and installation.
Starlink’s Target: 10 Million Indian Users
Analysts believe that Starlink’s plan is to bring affordable entry offers to sign up millions of users. Through achieving scale, the company plans to balance out its high spectrum and capital expenses.
There may be capacity limitations, though, such as in the US and Africa where user sign-ups were briefly halted. Therefore, Indian availability may be restricted to some areas on opening.
Final Thoughts: Is Starlink Worth It?
For people living in cities who already enjoy quick broadband, Starlink is not going to be the most affordable choice. But for India’s hundreds of millions without access to a stable internet connection, it could be a revolutionizing technology—linking schools, hospitals, farms, and homes in rural areas.
With Starlink coming into India, the digital divide will finally begin to close.
Stay tuned with Taaza Wire for latest news on Starlink’s India launch, official price, and availability.
