Jio and Airtel have already rolled out 4G, 5G, and broadband services to over 90% of the country through mobile towers and fiber. Starlink's model is completely different. Satellite internet will require a dish/terminal to be installed at home.

How much will Starlink cost in India?

On October 7, 2026, Elon Musk, in a post on the social media platform X, alleged that "some oligarchs" in India were blocking Starlink to maintain their "monopolistic chokehold." The very next day, he directly named Mukesh Ambani, asking, "Is Ambani the real boss of India?" The government dismissed these allegations as "baseless" and stated that security clearances for all three satcom companies—Starlink, JioSatcom, and OneWeb—were pending with the Home Ministry, and that no single company was being discriminated against. Meanwhile, Starlink VP Lauren Dryer said at the India Mobile Congress 2026, "We are ready to serve India as soon as India is ready." So, what's the fuss about?

All three have received GMPCS license, but none has been able to start commercial service yet.

Jio and Airtel currently provide 4G, 5G, and broadband coverage to over 90% of the country through mobile towers and fiber. Starlink's model is different. It will deliver internet via satellite to areas where fiber or mobile towers are difficult or expensive.

There is friendship and war on both sides.

Both Jio and Airtel have signed MoUs with Starlink to sell its internet equipment through their retail stores. Additionally, both companies are preparing to enter the satellite internet market themselves. Jio has announced plans to build its own LEO constellation of 1,600 satellites. This means that both partnerships and competition are underway simultaneously.

How far has Starlink reached?

Starlink has installed 20 gateway sites and hundreds of antennas in India. The company claims it has designed its entire operation with Indian security requirements in mind and will keep Indian users' data within India.

Starlink applied for a license in 2022 and received it from the DoT in June 2025. However, two major hurdles remain: security clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs and approval for foreign direct investment (FDI).

How much will Starlink cost in India?

According to the pricing shown on Starlink's website, the monthly plan is ₹8,600 and the hardware kit is ₹34,000. This is 2 to 5 times more expensive than regular mobile internet, and the hardware is approximately 15 times more expensive. However, some reports also indicate a possible price of ₹2,500 to ₹3,500 per month. Satellite internet will require a dish/terminal to be installed at home.

What is the government's stand?

Minister of State for Communications Chandrashekhar Pemmasani said, "The DoT has granted licenses and provisional spectrum to all satcom companies. The matter is now pending security clearance with the MHA. As soon as the approval is granted, everyone will receive it. This has nothing to do with any one company." The government's main concern is that Indian data may be leaked out of the country through foreign satellite operators.

The battle for satellite internet in India isn't just between companies, but rather between security, sovereignty, and market control. Starlink has the technology and global experience, while Jio and Airtel have a deep understanding of the Indian market and existing networks.