Starlink India: $120/Month for Remote Internet

SpaceX's Starlink is gearing up for its commercial launch in India, announcing a residential satellite internet plan priced at Rs 8,600 monthly, with an upfront hardware cost of Rs 34,000. This service is designed to bring high-speed, reliable internet to remote and underserved households, offering unlimited data and an impressive 99.9% uptime, even in adverse weather conditions.

Following regulatory approval, Starlink aims to bridge the digital divide where conventional broadband infrastructure is lacking. The company is establishing gateway earth stations in multiple Indian cities, including Chandigarh and Hyderabad, to support its satellite-to-ground communication network. A 30-day trial period is offered to new customers, acknowledging the premium nature of the service.

Starlink's direct-to-consumer approach sets it apart from competitors focused on enterprise clients. The company is also expanding its operational presence by hiring specialists for its Bengaluru office. This strategic move is expected to reshape internet accessibility in regions where deploying fiber optic cables is not economically feasible.