Starlink limited to 20 lakh users in India, monthly cost around Rs 3,000: Telecom minister

Elon Musk's satellite internet initiative, Starlink, has been designated to accommodate a maximum of 2 million users in India, providing internet speeds that can reach up to 200 Mbps. This revelation was made by Union Minister of State for Communications, Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, during a recent review meeting with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). The announcement has raised questions regarding the potential repercussions of satellite communication services on India's established telecom landscape. Minister Sekhar emphasized that the cap on Starlink's user base is linked to the company's operational capabilities rather than any governmental policy limitations. He reassured stakeholders that the introduction of Starlink would not significantly disrupt existing telecom operations, particularly those of state-run BSNL. In addition to the user cap, the minister mentioned that the service's high costs could further constrain its market reach. "The initial investment for satellite communication services is likely to be substantial, with monthly fees estimated at around ₹3,000," Sekhar noted. This pricing structure suggests that Starlink will primarily cater to niche markets, particularly in rural and remote areas that currently lack reliable broadband options, where BSNL has an established foothold. As the landscape evolves, the government is also moving forward with regulations concerning satellite communication spectrum allocation to better oversee the industry. During the meeting, Sekhar highlighted that BSNL has successfully completed its nationwide 4G deployment and is now prioritizing market share expansion without increasing tariffs. "Our focus is on market presence first, and there are no plans for tariff hikes," he stated, indicating BSNL's commitment to keeping prices competitive against emerging satellite communication providers.