Reliance Jio and Airtel Join Hands with Starlink to Expand Satellite Internet Access in India

Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel have established deals with SpaceX to spread Starlink’s satellite internet services in India. In accordance with these agreements, Jio and Airtel will begin selling Starlink equipment through their respective retail networks. In addition to this, Jio will offer support for customer service, installation, and activation.This cooperation seeks to offer high-speed internet to businesses, schools, healthcare centers, and distant areas across the country.It is important to note that the agreements are based upon the approval of the government, as SpaceX is still waiting for authorization to launch Starlink in India.  

Starlink’s main goal is to provide internet in rural and hard-to-reach areas using satellite technology. Rather of competing with Jio and Airtel's broadband services, analysts believe that this partnership will enhance those services they already offer.The installation of fiber-optic cables in remote areas is a challenging and costly attempt; therefore, Starlink's satellite internet service can fill the void.  

At present, both Jio and Airtel have its respective satellite broadband ventures—Airtel through Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio through SES.The Starlink cooperation adds another layer to India’s satellite internet landscape, with potential for future direct-to-mobile satellite offerings.  

One important difficulty for Starlink in India is its expensive value.  Starlink’s monthly plans run from $10 to $500, with a one-time hardware fee of $250 to $380. In contrast, Jio and Airtel offer home broadband plans starting as low as $5 per month, with unlimited data and higher speeds. Analysts believe that Starlink will primarily target remote areas where other internet options are unavailable because of the differences in pricing that between the two services.  

Starlink’s launch is unlikely to significantly affect Jio, Airtel, or Indus Towers, as satellite broadband is expensive and not a direct rival to fiber or mobile networks. Analysts predict Jio and Airtel will stay leading India’s telecom market, while Starlink will serve as a specialist solution for rural connectivity.

This article is based on information from India Today