New Delhi, India – July 10, 2025 – India has officially approved Starlink, a satellite internet company owned by Elon Musk, to provide high-speed broadband services across the country. The clearance from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) marks a major step for Starlink to bring its advanced internet technology to India, one of the world’s largest markets.
Starlink will use its network of over 4,400 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to deliver fast and reliable internet, especially to rural and remote areas where traditional broadband is limited. The Gen1 satellite constellation, orbiting at 540 to 570 kilometers above Earth, can provide up to 600 Gbps of data capacity over India, promising download speeds of 25–220 MB/s for users.
This approval makes Starlink the third company, after Eutelsat’s OneWeb and Reliance Jio, to receive permission to offer satellite internet in India. However, Starlink still needs to secure spectrum allocation, set up ground stations, and meet security requirements before launching services. The company has already partnered with Indian telecom giants like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel to support its rollout.
The move is expected to boost India’s digital connectivity, supporting sectors like education, healthcare, and business, especially in underserved regions. Starlink’s services may come with a hardware cost of around ₹33,000 (approximately $400) and monthly plans ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹4,200 ($36–$50), making it a premium option compared to traditional broadband.
India’s decision aligns with its goal to expand internet access and embrace private space technology. Starlink’s entry could transform how millions access the internet, bridging the digital divide in the country.
