A major development has emerged regarding satellite internet in India.
According to reports, Starlink—the satellite internet service by Elon Musk’s SpaceX—could launch in India soon, offering unlimited high-speed internet plans for under $10 (about ₹840) per month.
Affordable Internet for Rural and Remote Areas
This pricing could be a game-changer for rural and remote regions, where internet access has been difficult.
At less than ₹1,000 a month, users in hard-to-reach areas could get fast internet connectivity.
The low initial price is reportedly aimed at attracting early users and building a subscriber base of over 1 crore users.
Promotional Pricing Strategy
According to a report by The Economic Times, Starlink plans to introduce the service at ₹840 per month.
However, this is being described as a promotional price, which means it could change after the first few months.
Besides Starlink, other companies such as OneWeb and Amazon’s Project Kuiper are also preparing to enter the Indian satellite internet market.
While some companies aim to offer direct-to-home (DTH) connections, others may partner with existing telecom operators.
One-Time Hardware Cost Still Applies
Even though the internet plans may be affordable, users will need to pay a one-time hardware fee.
In global markets, Starlink’s terminal and dish setup costs between $250–$380 (roughly ₹20,000–₹30,000).
While India-specific prices have not yet been revealed, experts believe this could be made more affordable through government subsidies or EMI options.
TRAI’s Draft Policy on Satcom Spectrum
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has also released a draft policy for satellite communication (Satcom) spectrum. Under the proposed guidelines:
Spectrum usage charges could be fixed at 4% of the operator’s Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR).
The license validity would be 5 years.
This policy aims to offer clarity and cost balance for satellite internet providers.
A Game-Changer for Rural India
The real goal of satellite internet services is to serve rural India, where traditional fiber and mobile networks have limited reach.
If Starlink or other providers succeed in offering unlimited high-speed internet for ₹840/month, it could disrupt the market and create serious competition for giants like Jio and Airtel.
