Starlink In India: What Is It, How Does It Work And More About Elon Musk's High-Speed Internet Service
As per reports, once operational in India, Starlink is likely to deliver download speeds ranging from 25 to 220 Mbps and upload speeds between 5 and 20 Mbps.
Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio have announced agreements with Elon Musk's SpaceX to introduce Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet services to Indian customers. These partnerships hinge on SpaceX securing the necessary approvals to provide Starlink in India. Once approved, Airtel and Jio are expected to offer the service through both their retail outlets and online platforms.
Elon Musk's Starlink: What is it?
Starlink is a satellite-based internet service developed by SpaceX, an aerospace company founded by billionaire Elon Musk in 2002. The service uses advanced satellite technology to provide high-speed connectivity, even in the most remote and underserved areas.
As a part of SpaceX’s broader mission, Starlink is designed to establish a global broadband network through a satellite constellation in low Earth orbit (LEO). This approach seeks to address connectivity challenges, particularly in areas where traditional internet infrastructure is impractical or unavailable.
How Does Starlink Work?
Starlink's technology is particularly suited for rural and geographically isolated locations where conventional broadband services are unreliable or non-existent. This satellite-based internet enables seamless streaming, video conferencing, online gaming and remote work, even in remote regions.
According to reports, Starlink operates through a network of LEO satellites. Unlike fibre-optic or cable-based connections, which rely on underground infrastructure, Starlink transmits data using radio waves through space. Ground stations send signals to orbiting satellites, which then relay the data back to users on Earth.
What Can Indian Users Expect?
As per reports, once operational in India, Starlink is likely to deliver download speeds ranging from 25 to 220 Mbps and upload speeds between five and 20 Mbps. The expected latency will be between 25 and 50 milliseconds on land, ensuring a smooth experience for activities such as video streaming, online gaming and virtual meetings.
How Much Does Starlink Cost?
Starlink currently offers several subscription plans in the United States. Pricing details for India are yet to be confirmed, but the US plans provide an estimate of expected costs:
Residential: Aimed at home users, this plan costs $120 per month.
Roam: Designed for travellers, nomads and those who work on the move, this plan is available at $165 per month.
Business: This plan offers higher speeds and premium connectivity, with prices starting at $500 per month and reaching up to $5,000 per month, depending on the package.
