Jio Platforms Partners with SpaceX to Bring Starlink Internet to India
Elon Musk’s SpaceX is revolutionizing internet connectivity with its Starlink project, which delivers high-speed internet through satellites.
Starlink has already launched in several countries and is now preparing to expand into India. To make this possible, SpaceX has partnered with leading telecom providers Jio and Airtel.
How Jio and Airtel Will Support Starlink
Airtel’s Collaboration with Starlink
Airtel has entered into an agreement with SpaceX to distribute Starlink equipment through its retail stores.
The partnership will focus on providing internet connectivity to businesses and underserved areas, including rural communities, schools, and health centers.
Airtel will also assist with installation and activation, ensuring smooth customer support. Additionally, SpaceX will use Airtel’s infrastructure to strengthen its network in India.
Jio’s Agreement with SpaceX
Jio has signed a similar deal with SpaceX to make Starlink equipment available in its retail stores and online platforms. Jio will also provide customer support for setup and activation.
The partnership aims to improve the digital experience across India by combining Jio’s extensive network with Starlink’s satellite technology. This will allow reliable internet access even in remote areas.
What is Starlink?
Starlink is a satellite-based internet service launched by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. It operates using a network of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites to deliver high-speed internet.
Unlike traditional internet services that rely on cables or cell towers, Starlink connects users directly through satellites.
Users receive a kit containing a router, power supply cable, and a mounting tripod.
To connect to Starlink, users install a dish antenna outdoors, similar to a DTH system. The dish receives signals from Starlink satellites and transmits them to the router, providing a stable internet connection. A dedicated app allows users to monitor and manage their connection.
How Satellite Internet Works
Satellite internet functions differently from traditional broadband. The Internet Service Provider (ISP) transmits data from its data center to a Starlink satellite orbiting about 550 kilometers above Earth.
The satellite then sends the data to the user’s dish antenna, which passes it to the router for device access.
When a user accesses a website or service, the request travels from the dish to the satellite and back to the ISP.
The ISP processes the request and sends the data back through the satellite to the user. This process happens quickly, providing high-speed internet with minimal delay.
Why Starlink Stands Out
Starlink claims to offer the fastest satellite internet service available. Most satellite internet providers use a single stationary satellite located about 35,786 kilometers above Earth.
In contrast, Starlink operates a constellation of around 7,000 satellites at a much lower altitude of approximately 550 kilometers. This shorter distance reduces latency and increases data transmission speed, making the connection faster and more reliable.
Starlink Internet Speed
Starlink offers download speeds between 50 Mbps and 250 Mbps, with upload speeds reaching up to 40 Mbps. Premium plans provide speeds as high as 500 Mbps.
These speeds make Starlink suitable for streaming, online gaming, video calls, and other high-data activities.
Impact of Airtel and Jio Partnerships
Airtel’s Announcement
Airtel was the first Indian telecom provider to announce a partnership with SpaceX for Starlink services.
This agreement allows Airtel to provide Starlink equipment in its retail outlets and offer internet services to businesses and rural communities.
Airtel’s managing director, Gopal Vittal, highlighted that this partnership reflects Airtel’s commitment to next-generation satellite connectivity.
Jio’s Announcement
Following Airtel’s announcement, Jio signed a similar agreement with SpaceX to offer Starlink internet in India.
Jio plans to sell Starlink equipment through its retail stores and online platforms while providing support for installation and activation.
Jio’s extensive customer base and infrastructure will help make Starlink services more accessible across the country.
Overcoming Challenges in India’s Internet Infrastructure
India’s internet infrastructure has grown rapidly in recent years, but many rural areas still lack reliable connectivity. High costs and logistical challenges have made it difficult to lay fiber-optic cables or build mobile towers in remote areas.
Starlink’s satellite-based system can help bridge this gap by providing internet access in hard-to-reach regions. Currently, 6,15,836 out of 6,44,131 villages in India have 4G connectivity.
Starlink’s service could bring high-speed internet to the remaining villages without the need for extensive physical infrastructure.
Expected Starlink Pricing in India
Starlink has not yet confirmed its pricing for India. However, in 2022, Sanjay Bhargava, the former Starlink India Country Director, estimated that the service could cost around ₹1,58,000 for the first year and ₹1,15,000 annually from the second year.
In Bhutan, Starlink’s ‘Residential Lite Plan’ costs approximately ₹3,000 per month, offering speeds between 23 Mbps and 100 Mbps.
The ‘Standard Residential Plan’ costs about ₹4,200 per month, providing speeds from 25 Mbps to 110 Mbps. In Kenya, Starlink is priced at $10 per month, while in the US, it costs $120 per month.
India’s Expanding Telecom and Internet Market
India’s internet usage has increased significantly over the last decade. Internet connections have grown from about 25 crore in 2014 to over 96 crore in 2024, marking a 285.53% increase.
Broadband connections have also risen from approximately 6 crore in 2014 to 94 crore in 2024 — a growth of 1,452%. Average monthly data consumption per wireless subscriber has increased from 61.66 MB in 2014 to 21.30 GB in 2024 — a 353-fold rise.
India has also witnessed the fastest rollout of 5G services globally, with over 4.62 lakh Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) installed across 779 districts.
