Mukesh Ambani, Sunil Mittal bring Elon Musk’s Starlink in India, it may cost Rs…, internet speed will be…

The partnerships with Mukesh Ambani’s Jio and Sunil Mittal’s Airtel can accelerate Starlink’s entry into India.

Billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Jio Platforms and telecom operator Bharti Airtel have entered into agreements with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to bring Starlink’s satellite-based broadband internet services to India. The partnerships mark a significant development in India’s internet landscape, and will bridge the connectivity gap in remote regions.

The announcement comes shortly after Musk’s meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Washington, where they discussed collaborations in space, technology, and innovation.

Starlink’s Potential Pricing In India

While Starlink has not yet disclosed pricing for its services in India, prior indications suggest it could be a premium offering compared to existing internet plans. In 2022, Sanjay Bhargava, the then Starlink India Country Director, indicated that:

First Year Cost: Approximately Rs 1,58,000, including hardware and subscription.

Subsequent Years: Around Rs 1,15,000 annually for subscription renewal.

In Bhutan, Starlink’s ‘Residential Lite Plan’ is priced at approximately Rs 3,000 per month, offering speeds between 23 Mbps and 100 Mbps. The ‘Standard Residential Plan’ costs Rs 4,200 per month, delivering speeds from 25 Mbps to 110 Mbps.

Starlink’s pricing varies globally, costing as low as $10 per month in Kenya and up to $120 per month in the United States.

Starlink’s High-Speed Internet

Starlink’s satellite internet promises to deliver speeds ranging from 25 Mbps to 220 Mbps, a significant upgrade for India’s rural regions. The technology will address challenges posed by traditional infrastructure, such as the high cost of laying fiber-optic cables or building mobile towers.

India, one of the largest telecom markets globally with nearly 100 crore (1 billion) users, still has gaps in internet coverage. Of the country’s 6,44,131 villages, approximately 6,15,836 currently have 4G mobile connectivity. Starlink’s satellite-based system could fill this void by providing reliable internet access to the remaining underserved areas.

This move will not only boost digital connectivity but also enable technological advancements in remote and rural areas, enhancing education, healthcare, and e-governance initiatives.