DE-CIX India Makes History as the Country’s First IX Platform to Welcome Starlink into its Interconnection Ecosystem

DE-CIX India Makes History as the Country’s First IX Platform to Welcome Starlink into its Interconnection Ecosystem

The future of connectivity is often thought of as a terrestrial pursuit, but it’s increasingly taking shape in orbit. As India prepares for a new wave of digital transformation, satellite-powered broadband is stepping out from the shadows of speculation and into the light of operational reality. In one of its biggest connectivity milestones to date, DE-CIX India has officially welcomed Starlink into its interconnection ecosystem, making history as the country’s first Internet Exchange (IX) platform to provide interconnection for the Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology.

With Starlink’s commercial license now secured from India’s Department of Telecommunications and final clearance expected by late 2025 or early 2026, the regulatory path is clear. This has major implications not just for the satellite sector, but for the broader ambitions of Digital India. At a hardware price point of around ₹33,000 ($376), and monthly costs in the range of ₹3,000–₹4,200 ($35-$50), Starlink’s rollout is designed to be accessible – especially when measured against its promise of high-speed access in regions where traditional connectivity is still catching up.

Connecting remote, underserved areas

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 fiber cabling. This aligns perfectly with DE-CIX’s longstanding vision of combining satellite, fiber, mobile, and peering to power inclusive, next-generation digital experiences.

But for satellite constellations to deliver on their promise, they need terrestrial resilience. In India and beyond, DE-CIX has consistently demonstrated that its interconnection infrastructure can meet the demands of hyperscale performance and resilience. As players like Starlink enter the Indian market, the ability to rely on globally benchmarked uptime, compliance, and interconnection standards is a recipe for long-term success when addressing the digital divide.

The need for Space IX

LEO satellites are unlocking new possibilities for delivering connectivity to parts of the world that have long been excluded from the digital mainstream. But no matter how advanced a satellite constellation may be, performance hinges on the ability to interconnect with terrestrial digital ecosystems, especially for latency-sensitive applications like streaming, video conferencing, and online gaming. That’s where DE-CIX comes in. Through its global Space-IX program, DE-CIX provides satellite operators like Starlink with interconnection solutions that anchor orbital networks into high-performance terrestrial infrastructure, enabling seamless access to content, clouds, and application providers.

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.

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.

About Mr. Sudhir Kunder, CBO of DE-CIX India

Mr. Sudhir Kunder, Chief Business Officer at DE-CIX India, brings over 30+ years of expertise in telecommunications, FMCG, retail, and ICT. Specialising in Corporate Governance, Strategic Planning, and Service Management, he plays a pivotal role in shaping DE-CIX India’s vision. A strong advocate of situational leadership, he fosters collaboration, innovation, and strategic growth.

About DE-CIX India
DE-CIX India is a premier Interconnection Platform, facilitating seamless peering between major Indian and global networks. With presence in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, DE-CIX enhances internet performance for ISPs, CDNs, OTT platforms, and enterprises, strengthening India’s digital economy.