NEW DELHI (Diya TV) — Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture, Starlink, has received a crucial operating license from the Indian government, paving the way for its commercial debut in one of the world’s largest digital markets. The company is expected to begin offering services across India within the next two months, according to reports from the Associated Press and ANI.
A senior Indian official confirmed the license approval to The Associated Press on June 6, describing it as a significant step forward for Starlink’s long-anticipated entry into India. This development marks a dramatic turnaround for Musk, who previously withdrew plans to bring Tesla to India after failing to secure regulatory concessions.
Starlink’s entry is set to disrupt India’s internet landscape, especially in remote and underserved areas where traditional broadband or mobile internet remains unreliable or unavailable. The company operates using a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, offering high-speed internet, between 25 and 220 Mbps, without relying on fiber-optic or mobile network infrastructure.
According to ANI, Starlink has finalized its pricing strategy for the Indian market. Customers will need to purchase a satellite dish—the essential hardware to access the service—at an estimated cost of ₹33,000. The monthly subscription for unlimited data will be priced at ₹3,000. As part of its rollout, Starlink is offering a one-month complimentary trial with every device purchase to familiarize users with the technology and ease the onboarding process.
This pricing model aligns with Starlink’s strategy in neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Bhutan, where hardware costs mirror those set for India. This regional consistency signals a harmonized approach to South Asian markets.
Despite the green light from the Indian government, Starlink still requires additional approvals. The company must secure authorization from India’s space regulator and obtain the necessary spectrum allocations for telecommunications use. These are standard procedural steps that other satellite operators have also navigated in India.
Starlink’s launch follows high-level diplomatic engagement earlier this year. Musk met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the latter’s U.S. visit in February, a meeting widely viewed as instrumental in reactivating Starlink’s India ambitions. In March, Starlink signed strategic agreements with India’s top telecom operators—Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel—to tap into existing infrastructure and smooth the regulatory path.
This collaboration is expected to accelerate the deployment of satellite internet in India’s vast rural expanse, where connectivity gaps persist despite significant progress in digital infrastructure over the past decade.
Starlink’s expansion into India comes at a turbulent time for Musk. According to AP, the billionaire entrepreneur is embroiled in a public dispute with former U.S. President Donald Trump, which reportedly threatens billions of dollars in Starlink’s government contracts back home. Nonetheless, Musk appears committed to expanding Starlink’s global footprint, with services already active in over 100 countries.
India, known for its ultra-low data tariffs, presents unique challenges for premium internet services. Telecom giants like Reliance Jio have previously offered free data plans, driving mobile data rates to among the lowest globally. How Starlink navigates this price-sensitive market remains to be seen, but its unique value proposition—reliable high-speed internet in hard-to-reach areas—could carve out a distinct user base.
If Starlink succeeds, it could set a new benchmark for satellite internet services in the region and help bridge India’s long-standing digital divide.
