Starlink Gets Final Approval: Check Launch Date, Price, Spectrum Allocation, Internet Speed | Business News

Last Updated:July 09, 2025, 17:41 IST

Starlink will now need to secure spectrum from the government, set up ground infrastructure, and also demonstrate through testing and trials that it meets security rules.

Starlink’s monthly charges in India are likely to be at Rs 3,000 per month.

Elon Musk’s Starlink has finally cleared the last regulatory hurdle to launch commercial satellite internet services in India, according to a Reuters report citing sources. With space regulator Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) giving its nod, Starlink now holds all the required permissions to begin operations in the country.

The company had already secured a crucial licence from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) last month. This development marks a major milestone in bringing high-speed satellite-based internet to one of the world’s largest and most underserved broadband markets.

Starlink becomes the third satellite internet provider to get India’s approval, joining the ranks of OneWeb (backed by Eutelsat) and Reliance Jio’s satcom arm. However, unlike its rivals, Starlink has the global experience of operating in more than 70 countries, and its LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellite constellation is already among the largest in the world.

Starlink Launch Timeline and Next Steps

With regulatory clearances now in place, Starlink’s next focus will be on acquiring satellite spectrum, setting up ground infrastructure, and demonstrating compliance with security and technical requirements laid out by the Indian government. While the company has not officially announced a launch date, reports suggest commercial services could begin within two months.

According to Reuters, Starlink will now need to secure spectrum from the government, set up ground infrastructure, and also demonstrate through testing and trials that it meets the security rules it has signed up for.

Starlink Price in India

Starlink’s monthly subscription charges in India are likely to be at Rs 3,000 per month, according to an ET report.

Hardware Kit Cost: Apart from the monthly subscription charges, users will need to purchase a hardware kit like satellite dish, Wi-Fi router, and mounting equipment. The kit is likely to be priced at Rs 33,000. This cost will be a one-time upfront investment.

Spectrum Allocation

One of the key issues delaying Starlink’s entry into India was a prolonged debate over how satellite spectrum should be allocated — whether through auctions or administrative allocation.

As per the recommendations by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), satellite spectrum will be allocated administratively; operators will pay 4% of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) annually for five years; no upfront auction fee or allocation charge; and urban users may attract an additional Rs 500 per subscriber per year, while rural users are exempt, encouraging rural coverage.

High-Speed, Low-Latency Internet

Starlink’s competitive edge lies in its constellation of LEO satellites, positioned about 550 km above the Earth, compared to over 36,000 km for geostationary satellites. This proximity allows for lower latency and faster speeds, ideal for real-time applications like video conferencing, online learning, stock trading, and telemedicine.

Globally, Starlink already operates around 7,000 satellites, with ambitions to scale up to 40,000, allowing seamless global coverage — including areas hit by war or natural disasters. In India, this would be a game-changer for the hilly terrains, remote islands, and deep rural areas.

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