Mumbai, August 2025 — In a landmark connectivity milestone, DE-CIX India has become the first Internet Exchange (IX) platform in the country to integrate Starlink’s Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite internet into its interconnection ecosystem. The move positions India at the forefront of combining terrestrial and satellite networks to bridge the digital divide.
Starlink’s Entry into India
With commercial licensing secured from India’s Department of Telecommunications and final clearance expected by late 2025 or early 2026, Starlink is preparing for rollout at a hardware cost of ₹33,000 ($376) and a monthly subscription of ₹3,000–₹4,200 ($35–$50). Designed to be accessible, the service promises broadband-grade speeds of 25–220 Mbps, making it especially valuable in rural, mountainous, and island regions where fiber and terrestrial networks remain limited.
Interconnection for Inclusive Connectivity
By integrating Starlink into its Interconnection Platform, DE-CIX ensures that LEO satellite traffic connects seamlessly with India’s terrestrial digital ecosystem. This is crucial for latency-sensitive applications such as streaming, video conferencing, and online gaming.
Through its global Space-IX program, DE-CIX anchors satellite networks like Starlink into high-performance terrestrial infrastructure, enabling low-latency access to content, cloud, and application providers.
A Blueprint for the Future
DE-CIX India operates across major metros including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, leveraging multiple 100 GE ports to deliver world-class interconnection. The integration with Starlink is expected to complement terrestrial and mobile networks, rather than compete with them, creating a stronger, more resilient connectivity ecosystem.
This development not only supports the ambitions of Digital India but also offers a blueprint for how LEO satellite internet can coexist with terrestrial infrastructure to expand access and drive inclusive digital transformation.
