Starlink's India launch nears with draft guidelines for spectrum allocation: Expected costs, plans, installation details, and further information revealed
### Starlink Satellite Broadband Service Set to Debut in India
Elon Musk's Starlink satellite broadband service is poised to make its debut in India, with regulatory clearance in hand and a launch timeline set for the end of this year or early next year.
#### Launch Timeline
Starlink has received final regulatory approval from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), granting it a five-year license to operate in India until July 7, 2030. The exact launch date is yet to be announced, but reports suggest that pre-orders could open within the next three months.
#### Pricing
While the specific prices for Starlink's services in India have not been disclosed, it is expected that monthly subscription plans will range between Rs 3,000 and Rs 4,200. The cost of the standard Starlink kit in the United States is $349 (approximately Rs 30,000), although the pricing for equipment in India remains undisclosed.
#### Hardware Requirements and Distribution
Starlink's hardware will be distributed through telecom partners in India, with Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio having signed agreements with SpaceX. To begin commercial operations, Starlink needs to acquire spectrum from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and establish ground infrastructure such as gateways. Additionally, it must complete required security and compliance procedures to meet national standards.
Starlink's 4,408-satellite constellation is expected to orbit between 540 km and 570 km. The service is anticipated to offer speeds ranging from 25 Mbps to 220 Mbps, depending on location and satellite coverage.
The government in India is currently drafting spectrum allocation guidelines for Starlink. Once finalised, Starlink will have to pay an 8% license fee to offer services commercially in India. Before the service rollout, Starlink will also need to conduct compliance trials to ensure it meets national security standards.
This news comes as a significant step forward for Starlink, which aims to provide high-speed internet to remote and underserved areas worldwide. With the Indian market offering a vast potential customer base, the launch of Starlink in India could mark a major milestone for the company.
Smartphones carrying the latest updates about Starlink's satellite broadband service in India may soon provide users with news on the anticipated availability and pricing. This technology-driven development is a testament to the intersection of science, space-and-astronomy, and smartphones, highlighting their potency as communication tools in the modern era.
