Starlink cleared for India: Elon Musk's satellite internet to launch soon, plans, prices, and timeline inside
Starlink, which is part of Musk's space exploration firm SpaceX, aims to provide internet services via a network of low-Earth orbit satellites. This method is particularly beneficial for users in remote and rural regions, where traditional fibre or mobile networks are either unreliable or unavailable. The system works by delivering internet signals directly from satellites to a small dish installed at the user's location, offering decent speeds even in areas that are not covered by existing broadband infrastructure.Globally, Starlink is already operational in more than 100 countries and has deployed over 6,000 satellites so far. The company plans to expand this to 42,000 satellites in the coming years. In India, Starlink is expected to offer speeds ranging between 25 Mbps and 220 Mbps, depending on the location and satellite coverage. It will also launch with a data capacity of around 600 to 700 Gbps, which could support thousands of users across the country.As for pricing, the full cost of Starlink hardware in India hasn't been officially revealed yet. However, based on global trends, the Standard Kit—which includes a satellite dish, stand, Wi-Fi router, and cables—is likely to cost around Rs 33,000. Monthly subscription plans with unlimited data usage are expected to be priced between Rs 3,000 and Rs 4,200. These plans are targeted at individual households, especially in areas where regular broadband isn't a viable option. In the US, the same hardware is priced at \$349, and the more compact Starlink Mini costs \$599. Whether the Mini version will be introduced in India is still uncertain.Starlink's entry into India could prove to be a game-changer, especially for regions with poor internet infrastructure. It also signals growing support from Indian regulators for private satellite communication services. While a few more approvals and setups are still pending, the groundwork has now been laid, and Starlink is firmly on track to begin operations in India.- Ends
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