The wait for Starlink satellite internet service in India may soon end. The company has recently entered into an agreement with the Government of Meghalaya. Under this agreement, Starlink India will provide connectivity in remote and inaccessible areas of the state. This indicates that the company’s services may soon start in India, which suggests that it has received the necessary approvals from the government. It is worth noting that the company has been trialling its services in India for the last few months, and its official launch may be announced in the coming days.
What is the nature of Starlink’s agreement with the Government of Meghalaya?
Under the agreement with the Government of Meghalaya, Starlink India will provide high-speed internet connectivity using its satellite-based technology. This service will provide assistance in areas like education, healthcare, security and disaster management. It is important to note that due to Meghalaya’s unique topography, the region faces challenges in terms of reliable internet connectivity. For context, before Meghalaya, the Maharashtra government and UIDAI (the authority that manages Aadhaar) had also partnered with Starlink for their respective digital initiatives.
Starlink India has got its license
Starlink has got the license to operate in India. This license was issued by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe). With this license, the company will be able to utilize the capacity of its Starlink Gen1 constellation in the Indian region. This license will be valid for a period of five years. This company, owned by American billionaire Elon Musk, had also showcased its services in Mumbai on October 30 and 31 last year. Additionally, Starlink has also recruited employees for its India headquarters located in Bengaluru.
How much can a Starlink connection cost in India?
According to estimates, customers in India may have to pay a one-time setup fee of ₹30,000 to ₹35,000 to get a Starlink connection. After this, users may have to pay between ₹3,500 to ₹8,000 for the monthly plan. The estimated speed is expected to be between 25 Mbps to 225 Mbps.
What is the main bottleneck? Starlink is currently in talks with the government to launch its services in India. According to reports, the process has hit some hurdles due to issues related to spectrum allocation and pricing. The matter is currently pending before the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Once the green signal is received from the authorities, the way will be cleared to launch Starlink services in India.
