On Wednesday, Reliance Jio revealed its partnership with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to bring Starlink's low-orbit satellite-powered high-speed internet services to India. The announcement comes just one day after Airtel made a similar move, teaming up with SpaceX to expand broadband connectivity in the country.

“Our collaboration with SpaceX to bring Starlink to India strengthens our commitment and marks a transformative step toward seamless broadband connectivity for all. By integrating Starlink into Jio’s broadband ecosystem, we are expanding our reach and enhancing the reliability and accessibility of high-speed broadband in this AI-driven era, empowering communities and businesses across the country”, says Mathew Oommen, Group CEO of Reliance Jio.

“We are looking forward to working with Jio and receiving authorisation from the Government of India to provide more people, organizations, and businesses with access to Starlink’s high-speed internet services”, says Gwynne Shotwell, President and Chief Operating Officer of SpaceX.

Currently, there is no official information regarding the launch date or pricing for Starlink services in India. However, with the service priced at $80 per month in the U.S., which is approximately Rs 7,000, Starlink is expected to be relatively expensive in comparison to local broadband offerings. This pricing could place it at a premium, especially when compared to JioFiber and Jio AirFiber, which start at under Rs 1,000 per month. As such, while Starlink’s satellite-powered internet could appeal to remote or rural areas, its cost may limit its appeal to budget-conscious consumers in urban regions.

Under this agreement, Jio is authorized to sell Starlink devices in India, which connect directly to satellites to provide high-speed wireless internet, even in remote and rural areas. Jio has confirmed that these Starlink solutions will be available for purchase through its extensive retail network across the country. Additionally, the company will handle the installation and activation of the service, ensuring a seamless experience for customers looking to access satellite-powered internet. This move strengthens Jio's position in the broadband market, offering a new, high-speed option for underserved regions.

To use Starlink in India, customers will need a Phased-Array satellite dish, which automatically aligns itself for optimal connectivity, along with a Starlink router to provide Wi-Fi access. The complete kit, priced at $350 (approximately Rs 30,000), also includes a power supply unit, necessary cables, and a standard tripod mount, though additional mounting options like pole, roof, or wall mounts can be purchased separately.

While the upfront cost is higher compared to traditional broadband setups, Starlink offers a unique solution for remote areas without access to cellular towers or wired internet. However, users may face challenges such as signal disruption during severe weather conditions and the need for a clear line of sight to satellites.

Despite these limitations, Starlink's ability to deliver high-speed wireless broadband in underserved regions makes it a valuable option. Jio, the world’s largest mobile operator, has partnered with Starlink to bring this satellite-powered service to India, complementing Jio's existing JioAirFiber and JioFiber broadband offerings.

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