New Delhi: Elon Musk’s Starlink is just months away from being launched in India.
The satellite-based internet service, which has received the Central government’s approval, will be available in this country by the end of 2025, Hindustan Times reported, quoting Minister of State for Communications Dr Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani.
The international telecommunications provider, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Musk’s aerospace company SpaceX, received a Unified License from India’s Department of Telecommunications in July. But the company got final clearance for operations in this country after agreeing to India’s strict security rules, the minister told PTI.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 42nd Foundation Day of Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), Pemmasani said: “Given the geo-political risks and the faster change of technology, institutions like C-DOT have never been of greater importance. Therefore, when it comes to AI, 6G, quantum secure communications, they are doing wonderful things.”
Starlink, already active in over 110 countries, is expected to bring reliable internet access even to the most remote corners of India.
Likely cost and speed
If everything goes as per plan, Starlink is expected to roll out in India by December. The initial setup, comprising the dish and equipment, is likely to cost around Rs 30,000-35,000.
As for monthly plans, the expected figures are in the Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,200 range. The rate will vary by region and usage.
Reports suggest that users in India will get speeds between 25 Mbps and 220 Mbps.
It could be a boon for rural areas which currently get erratic network or no internet.
Once it begins operations, Starlink will be barred from copying, decrypting, or routing Indian user traffic through systems located abroad. All satellite communications must be routed through earth station gateways within India, as mandated by security framework in this country.
