India’s long wait for Starlink is finally nearing its conclusion. After years of discussions, regulatory hurdles, and industry speculation, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service has revealed its official India pricing — a major step that indicates the commercial rollout is now around the corner. The updated details on Starlink’s India website confirm that accessing high-speed satellite internet won’t come cheap, but the pricing is broadly in line with what analysts had anticipated.

According to the listing, Starlink’s residential broadband plan in India will cost Rs 8,600 per month, while the hardware kit is priced at Rs 34,000. The kit includes everything needed for setup, and users can install it themselves by simply plugging it in. In return, Starlink promises unlimited data, 99.9 percent uptime, a 30-day trial period, and the ability to stay connected even in challenging weather — a feature that could be particularly valuable in India’s remote and underserved regions.

This offering mirrors Starlink’s global model, but its impact in India could be significantly more transformative. Vast pockets of the country still lack reliable fibre connectivity, making satellite-based broadband a critical solution for rural and geographically isolated communities. However, the company’s availability map still displays India as “pending regulatory approval,” emphasising that the service is not officially live yet. When users try searching for local plans, the site responds with, "Starlink Residential isn't available in your region. To receive notifications about its availability and other product updates in the future, enter your email address below."

Although the rollout has not been formally announced, signs point to a positive trajectory. The government has already granted several clearances, and industry insiders anticipate final approval soon. Once operational, Starlink will compete directly with Jio-SES and Eutelsat OneWeb, forming a trio of major players expected to reshape India’s satellite communications landscape.

A crucial factor the sector is monitoring is the government’s decision on satellite spectrum allocation. Whether officials opt for an auction model or administrative allocation will influence all satcom providers. But Starlink’s strategy sets it apart: unlike its competitors, which are currently focused on enterprise clients, Starlink intends to launch with a direct-to-consumer approach from day one.

While residential pricing is now public, Starlink has yet to announce business or enterprise tariffs for India — these are expected later as the company deepens its presence. The momentum is already visible. Starlink recently posted four job openings for its Bengaluru office, hiring experts in payments, accounting, treasury, and tax, signalling ongoing efforts to reinforce its global operations framework.

Infrastructure development is also underway. Reports suggest that Starlink is preparing to set up multiple gateway earth stations across major cities including Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Noida. These ground stations are essential for maintaining low-latency, stable connections by linking the satellite network with terrestrial systems.

With a five-year licence already granted by the Department of Telecommunications and pricing now officially published, Starlink appears poised for a major entry into India’s broadband market — one that could dramatically expand high-speed internet access across the country.