Satellite internet Approved in India: Set to Rival Jio & Airtel
Elon Musk’s company Starlink has cleared the final hurdle to launch satellite internet services in India. With approval from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Center (IN-SPACe), the American firm is now fully equipped to commercially roll out its high-speed satellite internet services in the country. This move promises to transform India’s digital landscape, especially in remote and rural areas where internet access remains a distant dream.
Starlink has now become the third company to receive approval for satellite internet services in India, posing a direct challenge to Reliance Jio and Eutelsat’s OneWeb. In this article, we take a closer look at Starlink’s journey in India, its technology, challenges, and the potential impact on the Digital India mission.
Starlink’s Entry into India
Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, began efforts to launch its services in India in 2022. After a prolonged wait and multiple regulatory hurdles, the company has now secured the Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licence from the Department of Telecommunications and final approval from IN-SPACe. This achievement marks a significant step forward in bridging the digital divide in India.
Starlink’s satellite technology enables the delivery of high-speed internet without cables, even in mountainous terrains, forests, and remote villages. This connectivity could revolutionise access to education, healthcare, and business opportunities in rural India.
Starlink Technology: The Power of High-Speed Internet
Starlink’s technology is based on Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites that orbit the Earth at altitudes of 550–600 kilometres. The company currently operates a network of over 7,000 satellites and aims to expand this to 42,000. These satellites offer lower latency and faster speeds compared to traditional geostationary satellites.
To use Starlink’s services, users require a compact satellite dish—known as “Dishy”—and a router. The dish is installed under an open sky to directly connect with the satellites. Starlink claims its service can deliver speeds ranging from 50 Mbps to 300 Mbps, making it a potential game-changer for underserved areas.
Why Starlink Matters for India
While India has seen remarkable improvements in internet connectivity over the past decade, broadband services in rural and remote regions remain scarce. Starlink’s satellite technology could bridge this gap. Key benefits include:
- Internet Access in Remote Areas: In locations where laying fibre-optic cables or setting up mobile towers is challenging, Starlink offers a simple and efficient alternative.
- Boost to Digital India Mission: The government’s Digital India initiative aims to connect every citizen to digital services. Starlink’s rural outreach aligns well with this mission.
- Economic Development: High-speed internet can empower rural entrepreneurs, small businesses, and startups to tap into online markets, fuelling local economies.
- Improvements in Education and Healthcare: Services like online education and telemedicine will become more accessible, improving the quality of life in underserved areas.
Starlink’s Journey in India
Starlink’s path to India has not been smooth. The company faced several regulatory, technical, and policy challenges. Here’s a look at the key hurdles:
1. Regulatory Delays
After announcing its plans in 2022, Starlink had to wait for approvals from the telecom and space departments. The recent GMPCS licence and IN-SPACe clearance have now paved the way.
2. Spectrum Disputes
There was a prolonged dispute between Starlink and Reliance Jio over satellite spectrum allocation. While Jio supported auctions, Starlink and other global players pushed for direct allocation. The government eventually sided with Starlink, offering major relief.
3. Security Concerns
National security was a significant concern for satellite internet services in India. Reports of unauthorised Starlink terminals being used in sensitive northeastern border regions had earlier prompted a government probe. Starlink will now have to adhere strictly to India’s security protocols.
4. Ground Infrastructure
To operate in India, Starlink will need to set up satellite earth stations, communication gateways, and control centres. In addition, technical trials are required to obtain final security clearance.
Starlink Pricing and Plans in India
Starlink has not yet officially announced its pricing for the Indian market. Globally, the service costs between $50 and $120 per month (approximately ₹4,000–₹10,000). In a price-sensitive market like India, affordability will be key. Estimates suggest monthly charges could range between ₹2,500 and ₹4,000, with hardware (satellite dish and router) costing around ₹30,000 to ₹50,000.
Starlink has partnered with Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel in India to help distribute its hardware and services. The company may offer residential, business, and roaming plans, as it has done in countries like Sri Lanka.
Market Competition
Starlink has emerged as the third major player in India’s satellite internet market. Reliance Jio and Eutelsat’s OneWeb already have approval, while indigenous company Ananth Technologies is also preparing to enter the sector using geostationary satellites.
- Reliance Jio: Jio received the GMPCS licence in 2022 but has yet to launch its satellite services. Its primary focus remains on 5G and fibre networks, though it is a strong contender in the satellite space.
- OneWeb: Eutelsat’s OneWeb is progressing toward its launch in India but is still awaiting final security clearance.
- Ananth Technologies: This Indian firm plans to offer internet via geostationary satellites, though the latency will be higher compared to LEO satellites like Starlink.
Starlink’s LEO-based technology and global expertise give it a strong edge in the Indian market. However, its partnerships and competition with telecom giants like Jio and Airtel position it uniquely in the ecosystem.
Challenges Ahead for Starlink
While Starlink has secured final approval, several key challenges remain:
- Spectrum Allocation: Formalities around testing and commercial spectrum use must be completed.
- Ground Infrastructure: Establishing satellite earth stations and gateways in India will be a time-consuming process.
- Security Compliance: Adhering to India’s strict security regulations—such as local data storage and buffer zone policies—is mandatory.
- Affordable Pricing: The cost of internet services in India is a critical factor. Starlink must ensure its offerings are competitively priced to reach both rural and urban users.
Starlink’s Global Footprint and Potential in India
Starlink currently operates in over 100 countries. Its recent launch in Sri Lanka has improved connectivity for rural and mobile users there. A similar impact is expected in India.
The service will not only expand internet access in rural areas but also accelerate the goals of the Digital India mission. With increased adoption of digital tools in education, healthcare, and business, Starlink’s presence could positively influence India’s economy and social development.
Conclusion: A New Era of Internet for India
Starlink’s approval in India marks a historic development with the potential to reshape the country’s digital future. By enabling easier access to the internet in rural and remote areas, the service will offer stiff competition to established players like Reliance Jio, Airtel, and OneWeb.
Though some technical and security procedures still remain, Starlink’s technology and global experience make it a formidable contender in India’s satellite internet race. Elon Musk’s initiative could signal the dawn of a new era in internet connectivity, as millions across India look forward to turning the dream of high-speed internet into a reality.
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