Starlink Eyes India: Potential Market Surge Amidst Rural Connectivity Challenges and Competitive Broadband Landscape
March 27, 2025
Starlink has established a global subscriber base of 4.6 million, indicating significant market potential in India.
With around 40% of India's population lacking internet access, especially in rural regions, there is a substantial opportunity for Starlink to tap into this market.
If we assume that 10% of the rural population could afford Starlink, this could translate to a potential market of 40 to 50 million subscribers, although initial adoption may be hindered by pricing.
According to a report from Jefferies, Starlink's entry into India could lead to a significant increase in subscribers, with projections suggesting growth from 0.18 million to 5.7 million by 2030.
The company utilizes low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, which enable effective capacity distribution across vast countries, making India a strategic market due to its size.
However, the report indicates that Starlink is unlikely to disrupt the existing telecommunications market, primarily due to its premium pricing, capacity constraints, and the need for partnerships with local telecom operators.
Despite its premium pricing, Starlink has encountered capacity issues in major cities worldwide, including San Diego, Seattle, Nairobi, Abuja, and Brisbane.
In India, Starlink is expected to face significant competition, particularly from the fixed-line broadband market, which currently serves 46 million users and is projected to grow to between 90 and 100 million in the coming years.
Summary based on 1 source
Get a daily email with more Tech stories
Source

BusinessLine • Mar 27, 2025
Entry into India can mean better capacity for Starlink, says Jefferies