Elon Musk is going to start Starlink India soon, phone service with data plans like Jio and Airtel
Starlink Satellite Phone Service: Elon Musk's company Starlink may soon start its satellite internet services in India. According to media reports, the companies aim to rapidly expand the user base and add up to one crore customers in the mid-to-long term.
As reported, SpaceX founder Elon Musk's internet satellite service business Starlink is about to begin phone services in India. Since it is famous for its fast broadband until now, with its mobile service, it is ready to challenge large players like Jio and Airtel. Patrika sources say that while its data plans might be a little pricier than those of Jio and Airtel, it would be extremely effective where mobile network outreach remains poor. Other satellite communications companies like Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk's Starlink are also gearing up to introduce services in India imminently. Its initial offer of unlimited data may be $10 (approximately Rs 840) a month. According to press reports, the companies are looking to quickly increase user bases and acquire up to one crore users in the mid-to-long term. This would allow them to offset the cost of a large spectrum.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended a monthly fee of Rs 500 for satellite communication users in urban areas. This will make satellite communication spectrum more expensive than traditional terrestrial services. Analysts believe that despite the high price, it will not be difficult for companies with strong funding, like Starlink, to compete in India's urban market. Due to limited satellite capacity, it will definitely be difficult to rapidly increase Starlink's subscriber base in India.
According to research, currently, Starlink's 7,000 satellites are serving about 4 million global users. Even if the number of satellites reaches 18,000, only 15 lakh customers will be able to be served in India by 2030. This research said that due to limited capacity, even affordable pricing will not be very effective in adding new customers.
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Under TRAI's recommendations, satellite communication companies will have to pay 4 percent levy on Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) and an annual fee of about Rs 3,500 per MHz spectrum. 8 percent license fee will also have to be paid for providing commercial services. Final approval of the government is necessary before implementing these proposals.
