Upcoming Starlink Launch in India: Insights on Pricing, Speed, Strategies, Collaborations, and Known Details
SpaceX's Starlink Satellite Internet Service Heads to India
SpaceX's game-changing satellite internet service, Starlink, is set to make its Indian debut soon. The company has already received a Letter of Intent (LoI) from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), and it's now hot on the heels of obtaining the Global Mobile Personal Communications by Satellite (GMPCS) license. Once attained, SpaceX will need authorization for its services from the Indian space regulator, In-SPACe. Here's a lowdown on Starlink's anticipated launch in India.
Anticipated Launch Timeline in India
Though Starlink has its foot in the door with the DoT's LoI, services are expected to commence a bit later in the year or early 2023. Before going live, final approval from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre is essential.
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Starlink's Indian Plans, Pricing, and Details
Details about the Indian pricing for Starlink internet services are yet to surface, but whispers suggest that the service may offer unlimited data plans at promotional prices under $10 (roughly Rs 840). However, it's worth noting that the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended a monthly charge of Rs 500 for urban users, a 4 per cent fee on adjusted gross revenue, and a minimum annual fee of Rs 3,500 per MHz for satellite spectrum. Starlink will also have to fork over an 8 per cent license fee to operate commercially in India.
As for the hardware cost, the US prices stand at $349 (roughly Rs 30,000), and the mini hardware kit retails for $599 (approximately Rs 43,000). India's hardware pricing remains under wraps for now.
In the US and other markets, Starlink dishes out speeds ranging from 25 Mbps to 220 Mbps, contingent on location and satellite coverage. It's unclear yet what speed users in India will experience.
Starlink's entry into India is expected to boost connectivity in remote and underserved areas that struggle with traditional broadband infrastructure. Despite its price potentially being higher than terrestrial networks, it offers the unique advantage of satellite connectivity.
Sources:
[1] "Elon Musk's Starlink Internet in India: Price, Speed, and Services Explained" - TheNewsEveryday [Accessed August 22, 2022]
[2] "Starlink internet in India: Pricing, speed, competition and more" - Financial Express [Accessed August 22, 2022]
[3] "Starlink India Launch: SpaceX Seeks Authorities Nod For Commercial Services" - News18 [Accessed August 22, 2022]
[4] "Starlink stands to make broadband internet affordable in remote India" - The Indian Express [Accessed August 22, 2022]
[5] "Starlink India Launch Timeline, Price, Speed, Plans and All Live Updates" - NewsRepublic [Accessed August 22, 2022]
Author: Himani Jha
Himani Jha is a tech news writer at our platform, where she focuses on smartphones and consumer technology, contributing to leading publications such as Times Network, Gadgets 360, and Hindustan Times Tech for the past five years. When not engrossed in gadgets, she enjoys discovering hidden cafes, indulging in fine literature, and immersing herself in timeless music.View Full Profile.
SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service, planned for India, may offer unlimited data plans at promotional prices under $10, similar to how smartphones often have affordable data plans. The potential price for Starlink hardware in India remains unknown, but in the US, it currently costs around $349 for the full kit and $599 for the mini hardware kit.
With Starlink's entry into India, it's expected to improve connectivity in remote and underserved areas. This can be compared to the recent advancements in smartphone technology, which have made mobile devices more accessible for a wider population.
