Elon Musk’s Starlink Nears India Launch, Affordable Plans Starting Under Rs 850

New Delhi: Elon Musk’s satellite-based internet venture Starlink is gearing up to launch in India, with a focus not on urban tech hubs, but on remote villages, hill regions, and hard-to-reach rural areas that have long been left behind in the digital revolution.

Unlike traditional internet services that rely on underground cables or mobile towers, Starlink delivers connectivity directly from space using a vast network of low-Earth orbit satellites. All users need is a small satellite dish and a clear view of the sky.

In a move that could be a game-changer, Starlink’s monthly internet plans in India are expected to be priced below ₹850, offering unlimited access—cheaper than many existing mobile data packs. However, the hardware cost remains steep, ranging between ₹25,000 to ₹35,000, a barrier for most households. To offset this, the service may be adopted collectively by communities, rural schools, or small businesses.

To fast-track deployment, Starlink has partnered with Indian telecom giants Reliance Jio and Airtel, which could help reduce setup costs and expand infrastructure support. Bundled offers or subsidies may also emerge through these partnerships.

While Starlink has received an initial green light from the Indian government, final approvals are pending. If cleared, the service could go live by late 2025 or early 2026, potentially transforming internet access across India’s digital deserts.