Elon Musk’s Starlink Set To Launch In India Soon But The Prices Will Shock You—Will Jio, Airtel Face Threat?

Elon Musk’s highly anticipated Starlink project is on its way to India, offering satellite-based internet services. But there’s a catch—early indications suggest that Starlink’s pricing might be much higher than existing options like Jio and Airtel.

While official tariffs haven’t been announced, estimates based on international prices suggest Indian consumers could pay around Rs 1,58,000 in the first year. This includes a one-time purchase of the required device costing Rs 37,400 and a monthly service fee of Rs 7,425.

Good news? In the second year, costs could drop to Rs 1,15,000, thanks to the one-time device purchase in year one. However, even with this reduction, Starlink will remain significantly pricier than traditional broadband services.

Reliance Jio, Airtel, and other providers offer broadband at a fraction of Starlink’s estimated costs. With monthly tariffs as low as Rs 700–Rs 1,000, they remain affordable options for the majority of Indian users.

Starlink’s satellite-based technology is designed to deliver internet to remote and underserved areas. This innovation comes at a cost, making it less competitive in urban markets dominated by Jio and Airtel.

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced that India has approved Starlink’s license after Musk’s company agreed to comply with government regulations on data storage and security. However, Starlink’s final pricing may hinge on spectrum cost recommendations from TRAI, expected by December 15.

Despite its cutting-edge technology, Starlink’s high prices may limit its appeal to niche markets like remote regions or high-paying users. For now, Mukesh Ambani’s Jio and Sunil Mittal’s Airtel will likely remain the top internet service providers in India.