Can Elon Musk’s satellite internet replace 4G and 5G services of Indian telcos? Know here
Starlink can bring fast and reliable internet even to places where cables cannot be laid. However, Jio and Airtel already cover more than 90 percent of the country with 4G, 5G and fixed wireless access (FWA).
Starlink, the satellite-based internet service created by Elon Musk’s SpaceX company, will soon offer its services to customers in India. The company is currently focused on gaining final government approvals to transform the service. Once operational, Starlink will step into the Indian market, which is currently dominated by tech giants such as Mukesh Ambani’s Jio and Sunil Mittal’s Bharti Airtel.
What is Starlink different?
Starlink can bring fast and reliable internet even to places where cables cannot be laid. It can also play a crucial role during disasters by providing emergency connectivity when all other methods fail.
Jio and Airtel collaborate with Starlink
Airtel and Jio have partnered with Starlink to bring improved connectivity to India. This collaboration aims to utilize satellite technology to improve internet access, especially in rural villages and remote areas. The partnership focuses on using Starlink’s satellite network to deliver reliable internet in places where regular broadband cannot reach. In this way, digital connectivity will be strengthened in rural India.
Starlink vs Jio vs Airtel Plan: Price
Reliance Jio offers the lowest priced plan at 399 rupees per month. While Airtel follows at Rs 499, Tata Play starts at Rs 850. Starlink has not yet announced its official price. “The Starlink India website is not live, service pricing for customers in India has not yet been announced, and we are not taking orders from customers in India,” Starlink VP of commercial operations Lauren Dreyer told X on Tuesday.
Starlink vs Jio vs Airtel: Internet Speed
In its entry-level plans, Airtel provides 40 Mbps speed and Jio provides 30 Mbps speed. Premium plans across providers reach 1,024 Mbps. Starlink provides speeds from 25 Mbps to 220 Mbps. Tata Play offers strong value with 100 Mbps on its cheapest plan.
Can Starlink replace Jio, Airtel and Indian telcos? 4G and 5G
Jio and Airtel are India’s first and second largest telecom companies. They already cover more than 90 percent of the country with 4G, 5G and fixed wireless access (FWA). Jio and Airtel’s basic fiber and FWA plans cost between Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 per month. In comparison, Starlink is expected to be 3-5 times more expensive, making it a complementary service rather than a direct competitor.
