Elon Musk’s SpaceX has signed strategic agreements with India’s telecom giants, Airtel and Jio, marking a significant step toward launching its satellite internet service, Starlink, in India.
Within hours of each other, Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio announced separate, non-exclusive agreements with SpaceX to distribute Starlink equipment through their retail outlets. Jio also stated it would establish a system for customer service, installation, and activation of Starlink services.
However, both agreements are contingent on SpaceX securing the necessary regulatory approvals to sell Starlink in India.
Key Facts About Starlink:
- Requires a Clear Sky View – Starlink provides high-speed internet through a constellation of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Unlike traditional satellite internet, Starlink offers lower latency and faster speeds.
- Over 7,000 Satellites in Orbit – As of 2024, Starlink has over 4.6 million global users, with 1.4 million in the U.S. SpaceX aims to expand its network to 42,000 satellites.
- Available in 125+ Markets – Starlink operates across North and South America, Australia, and parts of Europe. Bhutan recently became the first South Asian country to legalize Starlink services.
- Usable on Boats – Starlink offers maritime plans starting at $250 per month for 50GB of data. A high-end plan costs $1,000 per month for 1TB of data, while the hardware alone costs $2,500.
- Environmental Concerns – Starlink’s second-generation satellites emit unintended electromagnetic radiation (UEMR) 32 times brighter than first-gen satellites. The re-entry of these satellites into Earth’s atmosphere also raises concerns about ozone depletion.
- Compatible with Third-Party Routers – While Starlink provides a default Wi-Fi router, users can integrate third-party routers like gaming or mesh systems for better coverage.
- Speed and Capacity Issues in High-Demand Areas – Despite its promise of high-speed internet, Starlink has struggled to meet the U.S. FCC’s broadband benchmark of 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload speeds in high-traffic areas.
With these developments, Starlink’s entry into India could revolutionize the country’s internet accessibility, especially in remote and underserved areas. However, regulatory approvals and competition with established telecom providers remain key challenges.
