Starlink aims to offer speeds between 25 to 220 Mbps in select regions.
Expected pricing in India may be higher than traditional fiber networks.
The launch timeline remains uncertain, pending regulatory clearances.
Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel have already announced a partnership with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to bring the much-anticipated Starlink satellite internet connectivity to India. While the partnership and launch are subject to regulatory approval, Starlink satellite connectivity has the potential to improve the country’s overall telecom infrastructure. Both companies see the partnership as a significant milestone in improving connectivity for their customers in the country.
SurveyBut, before we get into the specifics of launch, plans, price, speed, and more, here’s what Starlink is and how it can help Indian consumers.
What is Starlink and how can it help Indian consumers
Starlink, developed by SpaceX, is a satellite-based internet service aimed at providing users with high-speed connectivity, particularly in rural areas. The company’s use of a constellation of smaller satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) at approximately 550 km distinguishes it from traditional satellite internet, which relies on geostationary satellites. This means that users will have faster data speeds and better streaming, gaming, and latency performance.
Also read: Airtel partners with SpaceX to bring Starlink internet services to India: All you need to know
In India, Starlink can help with rural connectivity by providing high-speed internet. It can also help businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, and remote communities connect.
Starlink plans, price, speed and more (Expected)
The official India pricing and plans have not yet been announced. It is expected to be more expensive than the current fibre network. According to the report, the company estimated the initial cost to be around Rs 1.58 lakh for the first year, with a reduction to approximately Rs 1.15 lakh from the second year onward. In comparison, Starlink costs $10 per month in Kenya, $120 in the United States, and Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,200 per month in Bhutan.
In terms of speed, the company may offer speeds ranging from 25 to 220 Mbps in certain areas of India.
Starlink in India launch
Starlink’s exact launch timeline in India is currently unknown due to pending regulatory approvals. It is expected that the company may announce relevant details in the coming weeks.
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Ashish Singh
Ashish Singh is the Chief Copy Editor at Digit. He's been wrangling tech jargon since 2020 (Times Internet, Jagran English '22). When not policing commas, he's likely fueling his gadget habit with coffee, strategising his next virtual race, or plotting a road trip to test the latest in-car tech. He speaks fluent Geek. View Full Profile
