Union Minister of State for Telecommunications, Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, speaking at a BSNL review, stated Starlink’s high-cost, 200 Mbps satellite service will target underserved regions and won’t significantly impact telecom incumbents like BSNL due to its limited reach
Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture, Starlink, will operate within a capped subscriber base in India, offering services to a maximum of 20 lakh users nationwide, according to Union Minister of State for Telecommunications, Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar. The announcement is seen as a move to balance innovation in satellite connectivity while protecting domestic telecom players from direct competition.
Speaking at a BSNL network review meeting on Monday (July 28), Dr. Sekhar stated that Starlink’s services, capable of delivering up to 200 Mbps speeds through low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, are unlikely to disrupt existing telecom operators, including government-run BSNL. He emphasized that the company’s high service costs—potentially around ₹3,000 per month—will position it primarily as a premium offering for rural and underserved regions.
“Starlink's reach will be limited, and pricing remains a barrier for mass adoption. Therefore, it won’t significantly impact conventional telecom players,” the Minister said.
India clears Starlink launch
Starlink recently received regulatory clearance from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) to commence satellite broadband services in the country. In June, the company secured licences from the Department of Telecommunications to operate as a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) provider, along with permissions for VSAT and ISP Category-A services.
This approval makes Starlink the third satcom player in India, following OneWeb and Reliance Jio. It is also entering into strategic alliances with major Indian operators, including Airtel and Jio, to leverage their distribution networks for service delivery.
Despite acquiring licences in mid-2024, Starlink’s India debut had been delayed due to regulatory and national security evaluations. With formal clearances now in place, the company is set to roll out services in a phased manner, starting with regions where terrestrial connectivity remains a challenge.
Meanwhile, BSNL continues to expand its 4G rollout, with no immediate plans for tariff hikes. The state-run telecom provider is focusing on increasing its market reach, especially in rural India, as satellite-based solutions like Starlink prepare to enter the fray.
