New Delhi: India could soon witness a major change in the world of internet connectivity. Until now, mobile networks or fibre-optic cables have been the primary means of providing internet access to most households. However, preparations are now underway to offer high-speed internet through satellites as well. Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio and Elon Musk’s SpaceX-owned Starlink are the leading contenders in this sector.
Once the services of both companies become available, people in areas where good internet connectivity has not yet reached could particularly benefit. However, the biggest questions for Indian customers are likely to be the cost and internet speed.
Three Companies Get License for Satellite Internet
In India, three companies have been granted licences to provide satellite communication, or SATCOM, services. These include Reliance Jio, Elon Musk’s Starlink and Airtel-backed OneWeb.
These companies will have to complete certain essential procedures before launching their services. These include security clearances and the process of spectrum allocation. Only after completing these requirements will they be able to launch their services commercially.
Starting Price of Jio’s Fibre Internet
Currently, companies like Jio and Airtel provide broadband internet in India through fibre-optic cables. Jio’s entry-level broadband plan starts at Rs 599. This plan offers internet speeds of up to 100 Mbps.
In fibre internet connections, a cable is laid directly to the customer’s home to provide connectivity. In areas where this facility is easily available, customers are already getting internet services at affordable rates.
How Much Does Starlink’s US Plan Cost?
Starlink has not yet announced the prices of its services in India. However, the company is already providing services in other countries. In Chicago, USA, Starlink’s entry-level residential plan costs $60.50, or approximately Rs 5,600 per month. It offers internet speeds of 100 Mbps.
This indicates that satellite internet could be more expensive than traditional fibre broadband services. However, its pricing could be different when it launches in India.
There Could Also Be a Big Difference in Installation Costs
For fibre broadband connections, companies sometimes offer free installation with three-month plans. On the other hand, satellite internet requires a special terminal to be installed on the roof of a house, which receives signals from satellites.
According to Starlink’s US portal, customers there do not have to make a separate upfront payment for the hardware. However, the equipment must be returned if the service is discontinued. Additionally, professional installation costs $99, or approximately Rs 9,000. These charges could be different in India.
How Does Satellite Internet Work?
Satellite internet does not require fibre-optic cables to be laid underground. Instead, internet signals are transmitted through a network of satellites present in space.
- In Starlink’s case, a special terminal is installed on the roof of a house. This terminal receives signals from satellites in space. It is then connected to a Wi-Fi router through a cable, allowing people to access the internet inside their homes.
- Hilly and Remote Areas Stand to Benefit
- The biggest advantage of satellite internet could be seen in areas where laying fibre-optic cables is difficult. People living in hilly, border and remote regions of the country could get better internet connectivity through this technology.
Students attending online classes, small business owners and people who need internet for their everyday activities could also benefit from these services.
Jio and Airtel Will Face a New Challenge
Jio and Airtel are already major players in India’s broadband and mobile internet markets. Internet prices in the country are also considerably lower compared to international markets. Therefore, it will not be easy for Starlink to establish its position in the Indian market.
For Indian customers, it will not just be about adopting new technology. Pricing, internet speed and service reliability will also play an important role. For now, customers are waiting for the official announcement of the actual prices of Jio and Starlink’s services in India.
