Elon Musk's satellite internet project, Starlink, is set to launch its services in India within the next two months after it secured its operational license last week.
According to a report by ANI, Starlink has decided on a price plan specific to the Indian market. Users will need to spend about ₹33,000 on the satellite dish—the central hardware required to access the service. The monthly plan with unlimited data will cost ₹3,000.
To entice early adopters, Starlink will offer a free one-month trial with each hardware purchase. This will enable prospective subscribers to test the service before committing to a recurring plan. This strategy follows Starlink's worldwide practice of streamlining user sign-ups, especially where satellite internet remains a new idea.
Starlink's entry into the Indian market promises to greatly improve connectivity, particularly in rural and underserved areas where fibre-optic and mobile network connectivity is patchy or non-existent. Capitalizing on its constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, the firm is set to provide fast, reliable internet connectivity to regions that have hitherto been outside the reach of conventional infrastructure.
Hardware cost in India is consistent with the price Starlink is charging in nearby countries like Bhutan and Bangladesh, where subscribers are also being charged ₹33,000 for the satellite dish. This suggests that there is a unified pricing strategy for the region.
Starlink service provides internet speeds between 25 Mbps and 220 Mbps, with many customers experiencing speeds over 100 Mbps. The service is unlike traditional broadband or cellular networks, being driven by a LEO satellite constellation that provides reliable, quick connections with low latency—especially suitable for regions with poor telecommunications infrastructure.
Today, Starlink is present across more than 100 countries with various residential internet plans being offered based on the country and user needs. To enable its launch in India, the company is said to have entered into partnerships with leading telecommunication operators Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel. These partnerships are anticipated to assist with infrastructure integration and streamline regulatory procedures.
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