- DE‑CIX India becomes the first internet exchange in India to integrate Starlink into its interconnection ecosystem, positioning it as a full internet service provider.
- The development could significantly extend high‑speed connectivity to underserved rural, mountainous and island areas, complementing existing fibre and mobile networks.
What happened: Starlink joins DE-CIX India
DE‑CIX India has become the first Internet Exchange (IX) platform in India to integrate SpaceX’s Starlink into its interconnection ecosystem. Starlink has obtained a commercial licence from India’s Department of Telecommunications, with final regulatory clearance anticipated by late 2025 or early 2026. The hardware is priced at about 33,000 rupees ($376), with monthly subscription fees of 3,000 to 4,200 rupees ($35–50). Throughput speeds range between 25 and 220 Mbps, offering broadband-grade performance even in areas beyond the reach of conventional terrestrial fibre. Under its Space-IX programme, DE-CIX India anchors satellite networks such as Starlink into terrestrial infrastructure, enabling connections to content, cloud and application providers. Starlink, by joining DE-CIX India’s interconnection ecosystem, is able to operate as a full-fledged Internet service provider (ISP), complementing existing fibre and mobile networks.
Also read: Kyivstar partners with Starlink for direct-to-cell in Europe
Also read: Starlink suffers global outage due to software failure
Why it’s important
This integration represents a pivotal step for inclusive digital infrastructure in India. Starlink’s entry via a neutral, high‑performance interconnection platform such as DE‑CIX India helps address the persistent digital divide by extending connectivity to rural, mountainous and island regions that terrestrial networks have not reliably reached. It aligns with a broader national drive—under initiatives like Digital India—to deliver equitable access and underpin emerging applications that demand low latency, such as streaming, video conferencing and online gaming.
Importantly, DE‑CIX India’s multi‑modal approach—blending satellite, fibre, mobile and peering infrastructure—is well suited to reinforcing the resilience of such hybrid networks. The neutral interconnection ecosystem, spanning major metros, provides a reliable ground layer that can elevate satellite performance and stability.
I take a positive stance on this development. Integrating Starlink with DE‑CIX India has the potential to transform India’s internet landscape by reaching underserved populations in a cost‑effective and scalable way. It holds promise not only for improving social inclusion and economic opportunities in remote areas but also for fostering competition and innovation in the ISP market.
The timing is significant too: Starlink recently secured its commercial license and has partnered with major Indian operators like Bharti Airtel and Jio to explore how to bring its services to businesses, schools and health centres. These parallel moves suggest a coordinated momentum that could catalyse a more connected India in the coming years.
