Starlink’s Satellite Network : Starlink employs a constellation of Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) satellites connected to ground stations. These relay data to user terminals—flat phased-array dishes—that self-adjust to maintain low‐latency links (25–35 ms), offering broadband speeds between 25–220 Mbps.
Starlink Kit & Setup : The Starlink starter kit includes a dish, Wi‑Fi router, cables, and power supply. It’s designed for easy self-installation without professional help. In India, introductory setup cost is around ₹30,000 before availing monthly service plans .
Affordability – Plans from ₹850/Month : Post‑licensing, Starlink will offer unlimited data plans at roughly ₹850 ($10) monthly—far below U.S. pricing. Promotional offers aim to attract up to 10 million users, though additional regulatory fees may apply.
Partnerships & Regulatory Hurdles : SpaceX has signed agreements with Jio Platforms and Bharti Airtel to facilitate retail, customer support, and deployment in India. Still, it must finalize licensing, spectrum allocation, and security clearances before commercial rollout.
Government Regime & Compliance : India’s DoT mandates 29-point satcom rules including real-time tracking, data localization, and metadata sharing. These regulations could delay rollout but ensure compliance with border security and privacy regulations.
Competition & Industry Response : Airtel and Jio challenged India’s proposed 4% revenue-based fee, deeming it unfair compared to terrestrial spectrum costs. They argue the pricing undermines existing investments in 5G and fiber infrastructure.
When Will It Roll Out? Starlink has received India's DoT license and LOI but still requires GMPCS and space authority clearance. Experts estimate commercial service will begin within 6–12 months, initially targeting rural and remote regions.
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