Starlink India Launch Nears with Sub-$10 Unlimited Internet Plans

India is ready to welcome Starlink satellite’s internet, as Union Minister of Communication, Jyotiraditya Scindia confirmed that the company is likely to receive its operating license soon. According to Financial Express, the minister shared that the Department of Telecommunications has already given the Letter of Intent to the company, and Starlink India’s launch is expected to happen shortly.

The Print reported that the only step remaining is the final green light is the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe). Scindia said, “Currently, two companies—OneWeb and Reliance—have received licences for satellite connectivity. The process for Starlink is also nearly complete. The LOI has been issued. And I believe it (Starlink) will get the licence soon. The next step involves securing approval from IN-SPACe. All three licence holders must undergo this process before beginning operations.”

What the License Means for India

Starlink India’s license approval will allow the company to offer broadband internet using its network of low-earth orbit satellites. This model of connectivity is especially useful in areas where traditional internet infrastructure is weak or unavailable.

With over 4,500 satellites already in orbit, Starlink aims to deliver fast, reliable internet to remote and underserved regions. Minister Scindia emphasized the importance of expanding internet access across the country and mentioned that satellite services like Starlink will play a key role in bridging the digital divide.

He added, “After this, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India will provide policy norms for administrative spectrum allocation, which will govern commercial rollout.”

Where Will Starlink Be Available First?

While the full list of Starlink’s service areas in India has not been released yet, reports suggest that the rollout may begin in rural and remote parts of the country. These are places where laying fiber-optic cables can be expensive or logistically challenging.

Starlink’s technology can offer an instant solution by bypassing the need for ground-based infrastructure. Early focus areas could include mountainous regions, tribal areas, and far-off villages where connectivity is either patchy or completely unavailable.

What Will Starlink Cost in India?

One of the key questions for Indian users is: what will Starlink’s cost in India look like? Though exact pricing details haven’t been officially announced yet. SpaceX is expected to launch its internet service in India with unlimited data plans priced below $10 per month (approximately ₹840) as part of an introductory promotional offer.

This aggressive pricing strategy could give Starlink a strong head start in gaining early market traction, potentially placing it ahead of competitors like Eutelsat OneWeb (backed by the Bharti Group), Reliance Jio’s partnership with SES, and Globalstar, all of which are preparing to roll out their own high-speed satellite internet services in India.

That said, the final pricing could change depending on government regulations, import duties, and company decisions to make the service more affordable for Indian users. There are also chances that Starlink may explore special pricing models for schools, healthcare centers, or government use.

A Boost for India’s Digital Future

Starlink India’s Launch is being viewed as a major step forward in boosting the country’s internet connectivity landscape. With India’s growing digital economy, reliable and wide-reaching internet access is becoming essential.

As other players in the satellite broadband space, such as Bharti-backed OneWeb and Amazon’s Project Kuiper. The entry of Starlink may intensify competition and drive better service quality and pricing.

With the license approval expected soon, Starlink could start operations in the coming months. This could be a game-changer, especially for millions of Indians living in regions where internet access has long been a challenge.