26 May 2025, 6:37 am Copied Challenges Starlink Faces in India High Hardware Cost: While the monthly fee is affordable, the one-time cost for equipment is not. This could prevent many rural and lower-income users from signing up. Limited Satellite Capacity: At present, Starlink can only serve about 4 million users worldwide. Even with future growth, India may only get coverage from 700 to 800 satellites, which is not much for such a large population. Rising Competition: Companies like Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio’s SES venture are entering the same space. They already have regulatory approval and might launch services sooner. Analyst View on Starlink’s India Strategy Ashwinder Sethi from Analysys Mason says the plan is clear. Keep monthly costs low to attract users, spread the hardware and infrastructure costs across a broad base, and scale quickly. But the real test will be how fast regulatory approvals are granted and whether pricing aligns with user expectations. Conclusion Starlink has the potential to change how India connects, especially in regions where even 4G is unavailable. It is fast, wide-reaching, and built for the future. But unless the hardware becomes more affordable or receives government support, access may be limited to those who can afford the high initial cost. Still, Starlink represents a promising step toward a more connected India. One that deserves attention.