Starlink’s India Launch Nears: Jio & Airtel Strike Big Deals with Elon Musk’s SpaceX!
Starlink is set to enter India through strategic agreements with Jio and Airtel, allowing the telecom giants to sell its hardware, with Jio also handling installation and activation. However, the launch depends on regulatory approvals. Starlink operates in over 125 countries, including Bhutan, but remains absent in China. With over 7,000 satellites in orbit, SpaceX plans to expand its constellation to 42,000. The service also offers premium internet plans for boats, with hardware priced at $2,500. Scientists have raised concerns about Starlink’s impact on radio astronomy and potential ozone layer damage.
Users can replace the default Starlink router with third-party options for better performance. Leveraging low-Earth orbit satellites, Starlink promises lower latency than traditional satellite internet. However, in high-demand areas, it has struggled to maintain consistent speeds. Competing services like Amazon’s Project Kuiper and Eutelsat OneWeb are also expanding. As Starlink nears its India launch, its impact on the country’s broadband market remains to be seen.
Starlink’s India Launch Nears: Jio & Airtel Strike Big Deals with Elon Musk’s SpaceX!
Starlink, the satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, is edging closer to its long-awaited launch in India after securing key agreements with telecom giants Jio and Airtel. These non-exclusive partnerships will enable Starlink hardware to be sold through their retail outlets, with Jio additionally providing support for installation and activation. However, the service’s rollout depends on SpaceX obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals to operate in India.
1. Requires an Open Sky for Optimal Performance
Starlink delivers high-speed internet as long as users have an unobstructed view of the sky. Unlike conventional satellite internet providers, it relies on a constellation of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites that are positioned closer to Earth. This setup significantly reduces latency and enhances internet speeds compared to traditional satellite-based connections.
2. Rapidly Growing Satellite Network
As of 2024, Starlink has deployed over 7,000 satellites, serving a global user base of more than 4.6 million, including 1.4 million subscribers in the U.S. SpaceX has ambitious plans to expand this network to 42,000 satellites. In comparison, Amazon’s Project Kuiper is working on launching 3,236 satellites, while Eutelsat OneWeb currently operates over 630.
3. Global Availability and Expansion
Starlink is accessible in over 125 regions across North and South America, Europe, and Australia. In February 2025, Bhutan became the first South Asian country to approve Starlink’s services. However, the company does not operate in China, where the government is developing its own satellite-based internet infrastructure.
4. Starlink’s Maritime Internet Services
Starlink offers specialized plans for boats, with pricing starting at $250 per month for 50GB of data, while a higher-tier plan costs $1,000 per month for 1TB of data. The hardware for maritime use is priced at $2,500, with additional accessories like a pipe adapter and Gen 3 Wi-Fi router available separately. While the standard Starlink kit can function on boats, it only works when the vessel is stationary. In December 2024, law enforcement in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands confiscated a Starlink dish from a drug smuggling operation that had been using the service aboard a fishing trawler.
5. Concerns About Environmental Impact
Scientists have raised alarms regarding Starlink’s potential environmental effects. Research has shown that the latest generation of Starlink satellites emits unintended electromagnetic radiation (UEMR) at levels 32 times higher than earlier models, which could interfere with radio astronomy. Additionally, when these satellites re-enter Earth’s atmosphere and burn up, they release aluminum oxide particles that may pose long-term risks to the ozone layer.
6. Compatible with Third-Party Routers
Starlink comes with its own Wi-Fi router, but users looking for a more advanced setup can opt for third-party options. Mesh networks and high-performance gaming routers can be used to improve coverage and network efficiency, according to a report by PC Mag.
7. Challenges with Network Congestion
While Starlink offers lower latency and higher speeds compared to traditional satellite internet, it has faced congestion issues in densely populated regions. In the U.S., the service has struggled to consistently deliver speeds that meet the FCC’s broadband standard of 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload. In late 2024, Starlink temporarily halted new user sign-ups in some African cities due to overwhelming demand. However, Elon Musk reassured customers that efforts are underway to boost capacity, particularly in rural and less congested areas.
With Starlink on the verge of entering India, questions remain about its pricing strategy and whether it can effectively manage demand in one of the world’s largest internet markets.