Not everyone will get Starlink in India: Govt imposes big condition, priority given to these areas

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Tesla and SpaceX owner Elon Musk's satellite internet company, Starlink, is set to launch its services in India soon. The company has received almost all the necessary government approvals and is expected to launch for Indian customers in January or February 2026.

According to reports, Starlink has cleared most of the government hurdles for its launch in India. Currently, the company is awaiting final SATCOM approval and spectrum allocation. Both processes are expected to be completed by the end of 2025, with satellite internet service expected to launch in the country as early as 2026.

The Indian government has set an upper limit on the number of connections for Starlink. According to the guidelines, Starlink will only be allowed to provide a maximum of 2 million connections in the country. This means that in the initial phase, the company will be able to provide its services to a limited number of users. It is reported that the company's primary focus will be on rural and remote areas where traditional broadband is inaccessible.

To avail Starlink internet service in India, users will have to pay a one-time setup fee. This fee could be around ₹30,000 or slightly higher, which will include the cost of the hardware (dish). Additionally, monthly subscription fees are expected to start at ₹3,300. While this price is significantly higher than existing broadband services, it could prove to be a revolutionary step for remote areas where high-speed internet is a dream.

Starlink claims to offer internet speeds ranging from 25 Mbps to 225 Mbps in India. It's believed that users can expect speeds of 25 Mbps on the base plan, while premium or high-end plans can increase this speed to 225 Mbps. This service is specifically designed for areas where fiber or cable networks are not available.