High-Speed Satellite Internet Coming to India: Reliance Jio Partners with Elon Musk’s Starlink
After Airtel, India’s largest telecom provider, Reliance Jio, has also signed an agreement with Elon Musk’s company, Starlink, to provide satellite internet services in the country.
On Tuesday (March 11), Bharti Airtel had announced its partnership with Starlink through a stock exchange filing. Under this agreement, SpaceX and Airtel will collaborate to bring Starlink’s high-speed internet services to businesses, educational institutions, healthcare centers, and remote areas. The companies will also explore ways to integrate Starlink’s technology with Airtel’s existing network infrastructure.
What is Starlink?
Starlink is a satellite internet service operating in over 100 countries, boasting a network of more than 7,000 satellites in low Earth orbit. The service enables seamless streaming, online gaming, and video calls. Customers receive a kit that includes a router, power supply, cables, and a mounting tripod, which needs to be placed under an open sky for optimal performance. Starlink also offers a mobile app on iOS and Android for easy setup and monitoring.
How is Starlink Different?
\Unlike traditional broadband providers like Jio and Airtel, which rely on fiber optics and mobile towers, Starlink operates via satellites. It provides connectivity through small satellites, ground stations, and user terminals, making it ideal for remote and underserved regions.
Speed and Performance
Since Starlink satellites orbit at a lower altitude (around 550 km), they offer lower latency and better response times than traditional satellite internet providers. The company claims to provide speeds of up to 150 Mbps—slower than fiber broadband but significantly faster than conventional satellite internet services.
Impact on India
Starlink’s biggest advantage is its ability to provide internet access in remote and rural areas where traditional broadband services are unavailable. As of March 2024, India’s rural tele-density stood at 59.1%. Starlink’s arrival could revolutionize digital education, healthcare, and emergency communication in these regions.
Competition and Challenges
While Starlink is not a direct competitor to existing telecom providers, its higher pricing remains a challenge. Starlink’s plans are currently 7 to 18 times more expensive than traditional broadband. However, the Indian government could potentially subsidize costs under the Digital India initiative to make it more affordable.
The Future of Satellite Internet in India
India’s satellite communication market is expected to grow significantly, with a KPMG report predicting it could reach ₹1.7 lakh crore by 2028. However, regulatory approvals, security concerns, and competition from established telecom giants remain key hurdles for Starlink’s expansion in the country.
Availability in India
Airtel is exploring the possibility of offering Starlink equipment at its retail stores. Additionally, Jio, with its 470 million wireless subscribers, is positioning itself as a key player in the digital connectivity space. The company has invested approximately ₹26,000 crore in telecom and internet infrastructure over the past five years.
With both Airtel and Jio partnering with Starlink, India is on the verge of a satellite internet revolution, promising high-speed connectivity even in the most remote corners of the country.
