How Will Elon Musk’s Starlink Transform Internet Services in India? Expert Weighs In

Elon Musk’s Starlink is set to transform India’s internet landscape with high-speed satellite broadband. Partnering with Airtel and Jio, the service aims to bridge connectivity gaps in remote areas.

How Will Elon Musk’s Starlink Transform Internet Services in India? Expert Weighs In

Elon Musk’s SpaceX is bringing its satellite internet service to India, promising to revolutionize internet access, particularly in remote areas. Two of India’s biggest telecom players, Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio, have signed agreements with Starlink to offer high-speed satellite broadband, pending government approvals.

In an exclusive interview with NDTV, telecom expert Sandeep Budki shed light on how this deal will change the internet landscape in India.

Expanding Connectivity to Remote Areas

According to Budki, Starlink’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites will provide high-speed internet to areas where traditional broadband infrastructure is lacking or slow.

“There are several remote areas where internet services are either absent or extremely slow. With satellite technology, we can overcome these limitations. As long as there is an open area, Starlink will provide connectivity,” said Budki.

Both Airtel and Jio plan to leverage this technology to expand broadband coverage across India, ensuring better connectivity for rural and underserved populations.

Starlink to Enable In-Flight Internet Services in India

One of the key benefits of Starlink’s entry into India will be the availability of internet services on domestic flights. While airlines outside India already offer such services, Indian carriers will soon introduce packages tailored for in-flight internet access.

Challenges in Satellite Broadband Adoption

Despite its advantages, satellite-based internet is not without challenges. Budki pointed out that occasional hardware failures and technical issues could arise. However, these issues are expected to be rare.

“Like any technology, satellite internet will have occasional disruptions. But the overall impact will be minimal,” he added.

Airtel and Jio’s Strategic Partnership with Starlink

The collaboration between Jio and Airtel with Starlink is a major milestone. Jio plans to stock Starlink equipment in its retail stores across the country, giving Starlink a direct distribution network through thousands of outlets. Airtel, India’s second-largest telecom operator, has also entered into a similar partnership.

These deals are subject to regulatory approvals, and Starlink has been waiting for a commercial license in India since 2022. National security concerns have contributed to the delay.

Budki believes that the partnership is a temporary arrangement as both Airtel and Jio are developing their own satellite connectivity solutions.

“Jio showcased its satellite services at the Indian Mobile Congress, while Airtel had done so earlier. This shows they are actively working on their satellite internet solutions. However, they may not be fully ready yet, which is why they have partnered with Starlink for now,” Budki explained.

Will Starlink Be Affordable for Indian Consumers?

Satellite internet is generally expensive. As of now, Starlink’s global pricing suggests that services in India may also come at a premium.

Budki noted that initially, Starlink’s services will target businesses, factories, education, and healthcare sectors before becoming accessible to general consumers. However, pricing could become more competitive with government subsidies and Jio’s aggressive pricing strategies.

Starlink’s Global Presence and Impact

Currently, Starlink provides satellite internet services in over 125 markets worldwide. In countries like Ukraine, Starlink has played a crucial role in maintaining internet connectivity, especially during wartime scenarios where traditional networks are compromised.

The Road Ahead for Starlink in India

The Starlink agreement follows Elon Musk’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Washington last year. While Musk’s ventures in India are currently limited to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Tesla is also gearing up for its Indian market entry.

Starlink’s presence in India could significantly bridge the digital divide, bringing high-speed internet to rural areas, businesses, and even airlines. However, its regulatory approval and affordability will play a crucial role in determining its success.

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Last Updated on: Wednesday, March 12, 2025 3:43 pm by Rahul Choursia | Published by: Rahul Choursia on March 12, 2025 | News Categories: Technology

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