SpaceX’s Starlink Kit Free Worldwide, But not in India–Here’s why

Starlink has launched a new offer that provides a free Starlink Kit for new customers who commit to a 12-month subscription to its residential service plan. The customers opting for this plan receive a 30-day trial with a full refund option, after which the 12-month service commitment begins on the activation date. 

During this period, cancelling service, changing the service address, failing to pay bills on time, transferring the kit, or cancelling during the trial without returning the kit will incur a ‘change fee’. 

The plan is designed to increase accessibility to high-speed internet for residents in areas where traditional broadband services remain limited. Starlink said in a post on X that “reliable high-speed internet in even the most rural and remote locations” is now within easier reach.

The offer is available in select European countries, including Italy, Germany, Spain, Greece, Ireland, Poland, Austria, Norway, the Netherlands, Croatia, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland. Additionally, it is either on the waitlist or will be available soon in various other regions. 

As for India, the availability remains pending regulatory approval, following Starlink’s entry into the country. Starlink’s India chapter began when it partnered with Jio Platforms and Airtel to bring its services to the country. But this was followed by regulatory delays by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), awaiting a decision on who will be the final partner and spectrum allotments.

The Starlink Mini Kit is also included under the 12-month commitment plan, but only in Croatia. In January, Apple also reportedly collaborated with SpaceX and T-Mobile to integrate Starlink satellite connectivity into the latest iPhone software update. 

This provided an alternative to Apple’s existing Globalstar service, which let consumers send texts and contact emergency responders when out of cellular range. This followed T-Mobile’s earlier announcement that Starlink would support Samsung devices, including the Z Fold and S24 models.