Musk Backs Starlink to Connect India’s Underserved Rural Communities

Elon Musk says Starlink could bring internet to rural and remote parts of India.

He believes satellites can help places where normal phone towers and fibre cables are difficult or too expensive to build.

One post he shared said 11,256 listed villages did not have 4G coverage in May 2026.

India has more than one billion internet subscriptions, but rural areas have far fewer subscriptions per person than cities.

BharatNet has built a very large fibre network, although fewer village connection points were operating than were described as service-ready.

Supporters say Starlink could reach villages, mountains, islands and areas affected by disasters.

Its proposed newer satellite system could also allow some phones to connect directly to satellites.

Critics say many rural users already have affordable 5G and that Starlink may be too expensive or create security and data concerns.

Starlink says discussions with the Indian government remain active, while reports differ over whether approvals have been paused.