The monthly cost for satellite internet services in India, including Starlink, has been revealed, and it appears to be significantly lower than in many other countries, according to recent reports.
Starlink’s satellite broadband service, owned by Elon Musk, is expected to launch in India soon, having already received a Letter of Intent from the Department of Telecommunications. The service can commence in India after spectrum allocation. Besides Starlink, other companies like Amazon, Jio, and Airtel are also in the race to launch their satellite services. Recently, Starlink launched its broadband services in Bangladesh and Bhutan, where plans range from ₹4,000 to ₹6,000. However, Starlink’s satellite internet plans in India could be considerably more affordable than in these neighboring countries.
Price Could Be Below ₹840?
According to an ET report citing analysts, the initial plans for Starlink and other satellite broadband service providers in India could be priced below $10, which is approximately ₹840. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has proposed a monthly user charge of ₹500 for satellite communication services in urban areas. This lower pricing strategy aims to rapidly increase the number of satellite internet users, helping service providers cover their spectrum charges and operational costs.
Elon Musk’s Starlink currently provides its satellite broadband services in over 105 countries worldwide. Recently, the company launched satellites with direct-to-cell capabilities into space. These satellites will enable users to connect their smartphones directly to the satellite network. Starlink has already tested its direct-to-cell (D2C) capabilities with US telecom operator T-Mobile.
Starlink Satellite Internet Plan in India (Expected)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Expected Launch | Soon (after spectrum allocation) |
| Potential Starting Price | Below ₹840 (less than $10) |
| TRAI Proposed Price | ₹500 per month (for urban areas, initial proposal) |
| Reason for Lower Price | To increase user base and help providers cover costs |
| Current Global Presence | Operates in over 105 countries |
| Direct-to-Cell (D2C) | Technology launched; allows connection to smartphones without terrestrial networks |
| D2C Benefits | Emergency calls, messages, and internet in areas with no coverage |
| D2C Hardware Requirement | No hardware changes needed for regular 4G/5G phones |
| Neighboring Countries (Bangladesh & Bhutan) | Plans between ₹4,000 and ₹6,000 (for comparison) |
Direct-to-Cell Technology
This unique service will allow users to make calls and send messages from their existing phones even without a terrestrial mobile network. Additionally, they will be able to access internet services. Starlink’s direct-to-cell service aims to provide users with emergency call and message functionality, along with internet access, in areas with no traditional coverage. Elon Musk’s company is making significant investments in satellite-based internet and mobile services. A key advantage of Starlink’s D2C service is that it can be accessed on regular 4G/5G phones without any hardware modifications.