Starlink Internet Launch in India: Jio Platforms Limited and Bharti Airtel have partnered with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to bring Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet service to India.
Airtel Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal stated that this partnership marks the beginning of a new era of global connectivity for Indian customers.
Satellite Internet Has Faced Delays in India
Satellite-based internet has been in discussion for years, but its adoption in India has been delayed due to high costs.
However, Reliance Jio Group CEO Mathew Oommen confirmed that partnering with SpaceX to introduce Starlink in India is a major step towards providing equal broadband access for everyone.
He added that integrating Starlink into Jio’s broadband ecosystem will expand reach, improve reliability, and enhance internet accessibility in the age of AI (Artificial Intelligence), benefiting businesses and communities across India.
What Does This Agreement Mean?
This partnership allows Jio and SpaceX to explore ways Starlink can enhance Jio’s services, while also helping Jio complement SpaceX’s direct offerings to customers and businesses. Jio will sell Starlink solutions through its retail stores and online platforms.
Additionally, Jio will provide Starlink equipment in stores and offer customer support for installation and activation.
On the other hand, Airtel and SpaceX will work together to see how Starlink can enhance Airtel’s network, while Airtel’s ground network infrastructure may support SpaceX’s operations in India.
What Will Be the Price of Starlink in India?
Starlink’s official pricing for India has not been announced yet. However, since SpaceX already offers satellite internet in Bhutan, experts believe Indian prices will be higher than in Bhutan.
According to Starlink’s official website, the company offers two subscription plans:
- Starlink Residential Plan – Designed for general home users with unlimited data.
- Starlink Residential Lite Plan – Designed for smaller homes with lower data needs. It also offers unlimited deprioritized data, meaning speeds may slow down during peak hours.
Expected Starlink Prices in India
Residential Lite Plan: ₹3,000/month with speeds ranging from 23 Mbps to 100 Mbps.
Starlink Residential Plan: ₹4,200/month with speeds between 25 Mbps to 110 Mbps.
As India prepares to embrace satellite-based broadband, Starlink’s launch is expected to boost connectivity in rural and remote areas, making high-speed internet more accessible than ever.
The official launch date and pricing details will be announced soon.
