Starlink India: How Airtel & Jio’s Deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX Will Impact Internet Users

Airtel and Reliance Jio have announced a partnership with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to bring Starlink, a satellite-based high-speed internet service, to India. However, before launching, SpaceX must obtain the necessary regulatory approvals from Indian authorities.

Here’s everything you need to know about Starlink, how it works, and how it will benefit or affect Indian internet users.

What is Starlink?

Starlink is a satellite-based high-speed internet provider developed by SpaceX. Unlike traditional broadband, it doesn’t rely on mobile towers or fiber cables. Instead, it uses a network of satellites to deliver internet access, especially in remote and underserved areas.

The goal of Starlink is to provide global high-speed internet, ensuring connectivity even in regions where wired broadband isn’t available.

How Will Indian Users Benefit?

Better Connectivity in Rural and Remote Areas – Many villages and hilly regions in India lack fiber-optic internet. Starlink can bridge this gap and bring faster internet access to schools, hospitals, and homes in such areas.

Lower Latency for Gaming & Video Calls – With a latency of just 20-40ms, Starlink is ideal for seamless video calls, online education, and gaming.

Reliable During Natural Disasters – Floods, earthquakes, and cyclones often disrupt traditional networks. Since Starlink doesn’t depend on physical cables, it can maintain connectivity in disaster-affected areas.

How Does Starlink Work?

Starlink operates using thousands of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites positioned around 550 km above Earth.

These satellites are interconnected via laser links, allowing them to transmit data at high speeds without relying on ground-based infrastructure.

To access Starlink, users need:
A Starlink Terminal (small dish) installed in an open area.
A WiFi router connected to the terminal for indoor access.

How Much Does Starlink Cost?

Starlink isn’t cheap! In the U.S., users must pay:

• $499 (~₹43,000) for hardware (dish, router, cables)
• $110 (~₹9,000/month) for the internet subscription

Pricing in India hasn’t been announced yet, but it is expected to be on the higher side compared to fiber broadband services.

Challenges & Potential Drawbacks

Weather Sensitivity – Heavy rain, snow, or storms can weaken the Starlink signal, causing connectivity issues.

High Costs – The setup and subscription costs may be too expensive for many Indian users.

Limited Bandwidth – If too many people use Starlink in the same location, internet speeds may slow down.

Dish and router need

To use Starlink’s service, a small dish is to be installed, which is also called Starlink Terminal. The customer has to setup at home. This dish receives the signal from the satellite present in the sky and sends it. After this, this dish connects to WiFi router, which is installed indoors, an access of internet is available from that router.

Final Verdict: Is Starlink a Game-Changer for India?

Starlink can revolutionize internet access in rural areas, improving education, healthcare, and emergency communication.

However, high pricing and weather-related issues could limit its adoption in urban areas where fiber broadband is more affordable.

Would you switch to Starlink if it launched in India? Let us know in the comments!