How much will Elon Musk led Starlink Internet connection cost in India? Find out

Starlink, the satellite internet connection provider that is led by billionaire Elon Musk, is planning to enter Indian territory with its commercial services in 2022. Notably, Starlink internet connection was being sold in India, but the government launched a crackdown and stopped it, asking the company to register and get a license first. However, since there is tremendous interest in Starlink Internet connection in India, here is some interesting news. In a recent update, Sanjay Bhargava, the India Head of Starlink shared a presentation via LinkedIn, including information about the cost/benefit analyses, timeline and connectivity plans for districts for the planning of Starlink in India.

Starlink is not yet licensed in India, though trial licenses can be applied for. The commercial license application is expected to be filled by Starlink by January 31, 2022. “If Starlink can commence rollout in April 2022, aim to have 200k Terminals in India by December 2022,” Bhargava said in the shared document. Currently, the final delivery of the Starlink in India is uncertain.

Cost prediction of Starlink in India

The exact and final cost of Starlink internet connection in India is currently, unknown. Yet, according to the shared details by Bhargava, the Starlink internet connection might be priced around ₹1,58,000 for the first year. From the second year onwards, the service cost will be approximately ₹1,15,000 at 30% tax levies, as the equipment of Starlink is a one-time purchase only. The base price is expected to be around ₹37,400 for user equipment along with ₹7,425 per month for services. All these prices exclude taxes and government levies.

The taxes and levies generated by the sale of these connections would be a significant source of revenue for the government. According to Starlink, Schools and healthcare facilities get the most of the benefit from satellite broadband connections. State and union territories could even choose which districts to include in the pilot project to provide cities or districts with 100 percent broadband access.

Sanjay Bhargava said in his LinkedIn post, "We hope to have applied for a commercial license on or before 31st January 2022 (unless we hit some major roadblock)."

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had recently barred Starlink from registering pre-bookings in India due to the absence of a licence. However, Starlink has suggested that States and Union Territories should consider how the funds for the annual cost of Starlink terminal, which is ₹1,50,000 for the first year, will be obtained.