Starlink, the satellite internet company, owned by Elon Musk, is set to enter the Indian market, presenting a challenge to established players like Reliance Jio and Airtel in the realm of internet services. The billionaire’s venture is about to secure its license to operate in India, having successfully navigated regulatory checks and tests.
Starlink, operated by private aerospace firm SpaceX, constitutes a revolutionary satellite internet constellation serving over 71 countries. Launched in 2019, it stands as the world’s foremost and largest satellite constellation utilizing low Earth orbit for delivering high-speed broadband internet.
Starlink, an initiative by SpaceX, has redefined global connectivity, offering support for streaming, online gaming, video calls, and more. With advanced satellites and user hardware, coupled with extensive expertise in spacecraft and on-orbit operations, Starlink has become synonymous with high-speed, low-latency internet access on a global scale. As part of its future plans, Starlink aims to extend its services to include global mobile phone coverage post-2023.
The imminent entry of Starlink into the Indian market has raised expectations, with the company poised to elucidate its shareholding pattern to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade. Following this disclosure, Starlink is slated to obtain an operating certificate from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
Subsequently, the letter of intent from the DoT will be presented to the telecom secretary, Neeraj Mittal, and the minister of communications, Ashwini Vaishnaw, for their approval. The final step in the regulatory process involves the issuance of approval from the Satellite Communications Wing.
A noteworthy aspect is that Starlink had initiated the application process for its global mobile personal communication by satellite services (GMPCS) license in 2022. Upon receiving this license, Starlink will become the third company in India to hold such authorization, joining the ranks of OneWeb and Reliance Jio.
Starlink’s internet services are renowned for their global usage, offering impressive download speeds ranging from 25 to 220 Mbps, with upload speeds typically ranging between 5 and 20 Mbps. Many users reportedly experience download speeds exceeding 100 Mbps, a feat that is not easily achievable in remote areas through traditional optical fibers or towers.
It is crucial to note that Starlink’s offering is expected to deliver speeds comparable to 4G rather than 5G, given its satellite-based internet provision.
Despite Starlink keeping its pricing model for the Indian market under wraps, as per sources, the initial cost of the service in the first year is speculated to be approximately ₹1,58,000. In the subsequent year, the cost is expected to reduce to ₹1,15,000, along with an additional 30 percent tax, considering Starlink’s one-time equipment purchase policy.
The breakdown of costs includes a base price of ₹37,400 for user equipment, accompanied by a monthly service fee of ₹7,425. However, it’s essential to note that the final pricing details of Starlink’s services will only be revealed post the formal issuance of its license.
The impending entry of Starlink into the Indian internet services landscape has generated considerable interest, not just for its potential impact on competition but also for the promise it holds in addressing connectivity challenges in remote areas. As the regulatory approvals inch closer, the anticipation builds for Starlink to usher in a new era of internet services in the Indian market.
The satellite-based connectivity solution is poised to redefine accessibility, providing a viable and robust alternative in regions where traditional infrastructure falls short.