DE-CIX India integrates Starlink to expand remote internet access
DE-CIX India is the first internet exchange in the country to incorporate Starlink's Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology into its interconnection ecosystem.
This development is focused on extending high-speed internet access to some of India's most remote and underserved regions, particularly mountainous, rural, and island locations where conventional fibre infrastructure is unavailable or difficult to deploy.
Regulatory framework
Starlink has secured a commercial licence from India's Department of Telecommunications, with final regulatory clearance anticipated by late 2025 or early 2026. This sets a clear regulatory path for Starlink's services and marks a milestone for the satellite broadband sector within India's broader Digital India ambitions.
The hardware for Starlink is priced at approximately INR ₹33,000 (USD $376), with ongoing monthly charges between INR ₹3,000 and ₹4,200 (USD $35-$50). These prices are targeted to remain accessible, particularly given the high-speed service on offer compared to limited traditional alternatives in remote areas.
Extending digital reach
Starlink's LEO network is capable of delivering throughput speeds between 25 and 220 Mbps. This bandwidth allows for broadband-grade connectivity and has the potential to provide services in geographic areas traditionally left out by terrestrial infrastructure, such as fibre cabling.
This move is consistent with DE-CIX's stated aim of blending satellite, fibre, mobile, and peering to support inclusive, next-generation digital experiences in India.
Infrastructure integration
For satellite services like Starlink's to meet their full potential, robust terrestrial infrastructure is required. DE-CIX has prioritised high standards of uptime, compliance, and interconnection. Its infrastructure is designed to handle high performance and resilience, supporting major operators as they expand into the Indian market.
On this point, DE-CIX stated,
"Throughput speeds of between 25 and 220 Mbps – with potential for more – make it possible to deliver true broadband-grade service, even in mountainous, rural, or island geographies that are beyond the reach of terrestrial infrastructure like fibre cabling. This aligns perfectly with DE-CIX's longstanding vision of combining satellite, fibre, mobile, and peering to power inclusive, next-generation digital experiences."
This integration also responds to the critical requirements of latency-sensitive applications, such as streaming, video conferencing, and online gaming, which rely on minimised signal delay.
Space IX approach
DE-CIX's global Space-IX programme provides the technical and operational framework for linking LEO satellite networks with terrestrial digital infrastructure. This is central to ensuring that satellite systems are able to interconnect with content providers, cloud platforms, and other digital service providers.
DE-CIX India's integration of Starlink means that the satellite operator will become a full internet service provider for the nation's digital ecosystem. Rather than replacing fibre or mobile networks, Starlink is expected to function alongside them, improving overall internet access and resilience.
DE-CIX highlighted,
"By integrating into DE-CIX India's Interconnection-Platform, Starlink is now positioned to function as a full-fledged Internet service provider within the country's growing digital ecosystem – not in competition with terrestrial or mobile networks, but as a complementary force. With the world's largest neutral interconnection ecosystem and a presence across major Indian metros, DE-CIX ensures that satellite operators can interconnect locally while delivering globally, achieving the lowest possible latency for end-users in even the most remote geographies."
DE-CIX India's presence in major connectivity hubs, including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, means that satellite operators can benefit from local access with global integration, supporting consistent and efficient service delivery nationwide.
Potential impact
The company's infrastructure currently offers multiple 100 GE ports and integration with its global platform, supporting the demands of large-scale connectivity and reinforcing its position in India's digital landscape.
DE-CIX described the current step as
"This milestone moment will serve as a blueprint for what happens when next-gen satellite access meets a trusted, high-performance ground layer. With multiple 100 GE ports, global platform integration, and a strong presence in major connectivity hubs across India – including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Bengaluru – DE-CIX is operating at the forefront of a truly inclusive digital future."
This new development is considered a significant marker in efforts to close the digital divide in India by increasing service availability and supporting broader digital transformation objectives.