Starlink Gears Up for India Entry, Unlimited Data Plans Could Start at ₹850: Report
Elon Musk’s Starlink is ready to launch in India, reportedly offering plans as low as $10 per month. The company has obtained initial approval from the Department of Telecommunications, targeting 10 million customers despite potential additional urban charges and high operating costs.
Starlink’s India Operations
Elon Musk’s satellite internet initiative, Starlink, is reportedly close to commencing operations in India, having cleared most regulatory requirements. Media reports indicate that the company could introduce plans starting as low as $10, or approximately ₹850 per month, potentially making it one of the most affordable satellite broadband offerings globally.
According to a report by The Economic Times, Starlink recently secured a Letter of Intent (LoI) from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), granting it the initial permission to start operations in the country. This move marks a significant step for the SpaceX-owned company, which had previously faced delays due to regulatory and licensing hurdles.
Aggressive Pricing Strategy
The affordable plans, expected to include unlimited data as part of introductory offers, aim to help Starlink quickly build a substantial user base in India – reportedly targeting 10 million customers. The aggressive pricing strategy is seen as a means to recover the high initial investment and spectrum-related costs through scale.
However, India’s telecommunications regulator, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), is believed to have suggested additional levies for urban users. A monthly surcharge of ₹500 per urban subscriber has reportedly been proposed, which could potentially raise the total cost of satellite broadband compared to traditional wired and wireless internet services.
In addition to this proposed urban fee, Starlink and other satellite communication providers may be subject to a 4% payment of their Adjusted Gross Revenues (AGR), a minimum annual spectrum usage charge of ₹3,500 per block, and an 8% license fee to offer commercial services. These proposals, however, are still awaiting final approval from the relevant authorities.
Market Expansion and Pricing Strategy
Despite the potentially high operating costs, Starlink is reportedly determined to keep initial consumer pricing low. The objective is to capitalize on India’s vast market potential, especially in rural and underserved areas where access to reliable internet remains a challenge.
Internationally, Starlink’s services are considerably more expensive. In the United States, the Residential Lite plan costs around $80 (₹6,800) per month and includes unlimited, albeit deprioritized, data. Customers are also required to purchase a Starlink basic kit for a one-time fee of $349 (₹29,700). The company also offers Roam plans for individuals who travel frequently, starting at $50 (₹4,200) for 50GB of data, with an additional $299 (₹25,400) fee for the Starlink Mini Kit.
