SpaceX’s Starlink is coming to change the internet world in India. Both Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel have signed an agreement with SpaceX. Under this, Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet service will be available across the country. But, before starting the service, SpaceX will have to get the necessary approvals. This news is special for India. The reason is that there is a big problem with internet connectivity here. There is fiber broadband in the cities. But the internet does not reach villages and remote areas. Starlink’s satellite technology is the solution to this problem. It will provide internet directly from space; there will be no need for ground infrastructure. It is expected that crores of people will be able to connect to the internet.Both Jio and Airtel will promote Starlink with their different strategies. Airtel will connect it with its existing services. While Jio will include it in its broadband system. However, Starlink will have to face strict rules of India. Also, its price is also more than the budget of the common man. Therefore, SpaceX may have to fix different prices for India. It remains to be seen what changes Starlink brings to India’s telecom sector.Starlink’s arrival in India was awaited for a long time. Internet access in India is still limited, especially in rural areas. Starlink’s satellite technology can help bridge this gap. It will provide internet directly from space. This will eliminate the need for ground cables and towers. SpaceX founder Elon Musk plans to upgrade the network every five years. This technology can prove to be a boon for those who have been deprived of the internet so far.Starlink is a network of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. It provides high-speed internet with low latency. This service is already available in many countries, especially in places where general broadband does not reach. In India, only about 47% of the people have internet. Meaning, more than 70 crore people are deprived of the internet. Starlink can provide speeds up to 220 Mbps, which can be a good option for remote areas.Starlink does not depend on ground cables or mobile towers. It provides internet through LEO satellites. As of January 2024, SpaceX has launched about 7,000 Starlink satellites. The user needs a Starlink dish and a router, which connect to the satellites. The dish automatically connects to the nearest satellite. Starlink is usually installed in one place, but with certain equipment, it can also be used in moving vehicles, boats, and airplanes.Airtel wants to bring the internet to rural areas by integrating Starlink with its existing services. At the same time, Jio will include Starlink in its broadband system and sell it through its retail and online channels. Reliance Jio Group CEO Mathew Oman said, ‘Every Indian, wherever he lives, should get cheap and high-speed broadband; this is Jio’s priority. Our collaboration with SpaceX will help bring Starlink to India and ensure broadband connectivity for all.’Talking on this topic, Malay Sourav, a financial analyst at a big four audit firm, said, “I have had a chance to audit big players in telecom industries. The annual reports showed the urgent need to rejuvenate their plans so as to appeal to the public at large. The arrival of Starlink can bring a big change in India’s telecom sector. Jio and Airtel, which are already in the market, will now have to face new competition. The presence of Starlink may force other companies to improve their services and prices. Starlink can also make a big contribution in areas like education, health, agriculture, and disaster management. The internet can reach even remote villages, hilly areas, and islands, which can improve telemedicine, online education, and emergency services.”
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