Airtel and Jio Partner with Starlink to Bring Satellite Internet to India

Airtel and Jio Partner with Starlink: India is on the verge of a digital transformation as telecom giants Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio have partnered with SpaceX’s Starlink to introduce satellite-based internet in the country. This partnership aims to bring high-speed broadband to rural and remote areas, where traditional internet services are unreliable or unavailable. However, the service is still awaiting final regulatory approval from the Indian government.

Key Facts

• Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio have signed separate agreements with Starlink.
• Starlink’s satellite internet offers speeds between 25-220 Mbps.
• The service aims to connect rural schools, health centers, and businesses.
• Starlink is available in over 100 countries but is awaiting approval in India.
• The estimated cost for Indian users could be ₹1,58,000 in the first year and ₹1,15,000 from the second year.
• Starlink’s competitors include OneWeb, owned in part by Airtel, and Jio’s existing broadband services.

How Starlink Can Transform India’s Internet Access

India is one of the world’s largest telecom markets, with nearly 100 crore internet users. However, many remote areas still lack proper internet access due to the high cost and difficulty of laying fiber-optic cables or installing mobile towers. Starlink’s satellite-based internet service will help bridge this gap by providing fast and reliable internet access to even the most isolated parts of the country.

This will be especially beneficial for educational institutions, healthcare centers, and businesses in rural areas. With better connectivity, students can access online education, doctors can offer telemedicine services, and small businesses can expand their reach.

How Much Will Starlink Cost in India?

While Starlink has not officially revealed its pricing for India, past estimates suggest that the service could cost ₹1,58,000 for the first year and ₹1,15,000 from the second year. In Bhutan, Starlink’s Residential Lite Plan costs around ₹3,000 per month, while in the US, the service is priced at $120 per month. If Starlink enters the Indian market, pricing could be adjusted to compete with Jio and Airtel broadband services.

Airtel and Jio Partner with Starlink: The Airtel vs Jio Rivalry Continues

The Indian telecom industry has been shaped by the competition between Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio and Sunil Bharti Mittal’s Airtel. Now, this rivalry has entered the satellite broadband space. Jio and Airtel have signed separate agreements with Starlink, making them key partners in its rollout. However, regulatory approval remains a challenge.

Interestingly, Airtel is also the largest shareholder in OneWeb, a direct competitor of Starlink. While OneWeb has already received approval for operations in India, Starlink is still waiting for the green light from regulators. By collaborating with Starlink, Airtel is ensuring it stays ahead in the competition while also maintaining its stake in OneWeb.

What’s Next?

Starlink’s entry into India depends on regulatory approval. The company has been in licensing limbo since 2022 due to security concerns raised by the government. However, if approved, Starlink could revolutionize internet access in India, especially in rural areas.

Meanwhile, Elon Musk is also focusing on bringing Tesla to India. Reports suggest that Tesla has finalized a lease for its first showroom in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex, with another showroom planned in Delhi.

Also Read: Tesla to Launch in India: Mumbai Showroom, Pricing, and Expansion Plans

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