New Delhi. There are preparations to start satellite based internet service in India soon. Through this, high-speed internet will be available even in those areas where laying fiber cable is difficult. In this area, Reliance Jio, Elon Musk's company SpaceX's Starlink and Airtel-backed OneWeb have received license from the government. However, the final announcement regarding the launch and tariff of these services in India has not been made yet.
Currently in India, companies like Jio and Airtel are providing internet through fiber cable. The initial broadband plans of these companies start from around Rs 599 monthly, in which speeds up to 100 Mbps are available. On the other hand, consumers are curious about the prices of satellite internet. Its cost and installation process will decide how popular this service becomes in the Indian market.
Starlink's overseas plan is many times more expensive than fiber
The price of Starlink's service in India has not been announced yet. However, in Chicago, America, the initial residential plan of the company is said to be $ 60.50 i.e. about Rs 5,600 per month. Speed of 100 Mbps is available in it. Accordingly, it is much more expensive than the initial fiber plan of Rs 599 available in India. However, foreign market prices cannot be directly considered as the basis for Indian tariffs.
There will be difference in installation also
In fiber internet connection, companies often waive the installation fee with a three-month plan. At the same time, for satellite internet, a special terminal will have to be installed on the roof of the house or in an open space, which will receive the signal directly from the satellite.
The hardware cost is listed as zero on Starlink's US portal, but equipment must be returned upon termination of service. According to the company, the professional installation fee is $99 i.e. around Rs 9,000. Its actual cost and terms in India will become clear only after the company launches its service.
How will satellite internet work?
In satellite internet, many satellites installed in low earth orbit together create a network. These satellites transmit Internet signals to terminals on the ground. A terminal installed on the roof of the house receives the signal and connects to the Wi-Fi router through a cable. After this, internet can be used on mobile, laptop and other devices inside the house.
Starlink is providing internet service through this technology in many countries including America. Its specialty is that there is no need to lay fiber cables on the ground everywhere for internet connectivity.
Hilly and border areas will benefit
Satellite Internet can be of greatest benefit to areas where traditional Internet networks are difficult to reach due to geographical conditions. People living in hilly, border and remote villages can get better connectivity through this. Students will be able to get the benefit of online education, businessmen will get the benefit of digital services and local institutions will get the benefit of internet based facilities.
Price will be the biggest challenge in the Indian market
Internet services in India are cheaper than many markets in the world. The fiber network of companies like Jio and Airtel has a larger consumer base than before. In such a situation, satellite internet companies will face the challenge of keeping the prices competitive.
Satellite Internet can become an important alternative for areas where fiber connectivity is not available. However, how competitive it will be among the already affordable broadband services in urban areas will be decided only after Indian tariffs and device pricing are revealed.