Starlink, the satellite internet venture by SpaceX and Elon Musk, is gearing up to launch its phase-1 operations in the country within the next 12 months. The company has announced that it will offer a robust 600 to 700 gigabits per second (Gbps) of bandwidth during this initial rollout, aiming to bridge the connectivity gap in both urban and remote regions.
Starlink’s entry into India is expected to be a game-changer for the country’s internet landscape. The phase-1 operations will focus on deploying satellite-based broadband services capable of delivering high-speed internet to underserved and hard-to-reach areas, as well as enhancing connectivity in cities.
India’s internet penetration has grown rapidly, but millions in rural and remote areas still lack access to reliable high-speed broadband. Starlink’s satellite-based solution bypasses the need for extensive ground infrastructure, making it ideal for connecting villages, hilly terrains, and isolated communities.
Starlink has already initiated discussions with the Indian government and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to secure the necessary licenses and spectrum clearances. The company is also working to comply with India’s data localization and security requirements.
Industry analysts believe that Starlink’s entry will intensify competition among internet service providers, potentially driving down costs and improving service quality for consumers.
While the upfront cost of Starlink’s user terminal (dish and modem) may be higher than traditional broadband, the company is exploring subsidy and financing options to make the service accessible to a wider audience.