Airtel Vs Jio Vs Starlink: In a major showdown, the country is about to witness a tussle between top telecom companies. Elon Musk’s Starlink will face challenges in establishing itself in India, while existing players like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel will face their biggest competition yet.

It is anticipated that Starlink will shake up the landscape with its entry into the Indian market. With its high-speed satellite internet services, Starlink has the potential to reshape the dynamics of internet services.

Reports indicate that Starlink has agreed to adhere to the Indian government’s rules regarding data storage and security, which is a significant step toward obtaining the necessary license for satellite broadband services. However, the company still needs to officially submit its agreement to fulfill these requirements.

Airtel Vs Jio Vs Starlink:

The major players in the Indian telecom industry include Mukesh Ambani-owned Reliance Jio and Sunil Mittal-owned Bharti Airtel. To create tough competition, these giants have already invested a hefty amount of capital in spreading 5G infrastructure and pushing Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) services across the nation. Although a few nooks and corners are still not covered, Jio and Airtel have almost established their presence everywhere. With the entry of satellite internet, these inaccessible corners of the country will also have access to internet services.

According to Indian telecom companies, satellite internet, which also provides broadband services, should be subject to the same spectrum allocation process as terrestrial broadband. According to data, in the current Indian system, terrestrial broadband providers pay substantial amounts in auctions for spectrum rights. If Elon Musk-owned Starlink receives spectrum allocation via an administrative route, the expected cost would be significantly lower.

In the current system in India, terrestrial broadband providers pay substantial amounts in competitive auctions for spectrum rights. The expected cost would be significantly lower if Starlink receives spectrum allocation via an administrative route.

Starlink In Comparison To Jio And Airtel:

The Indian telecom companies are in direct rivalry. The entry of Starlink adds tough competition among them. In a competition where Jio and Airtel were rivals to each other as they were both terrestrial broadband providers, Starlink will introduce a completely different dynamic for them to deal with.

Things To Note From The Tussle-

• Allocation VS Auction:
• Indian telecom companies are pushed to participate in the competitive auction, but Starlink will receive an allocation, making it easier and cheaper for them. The price Starlink will pay is a very small amount compared to what Indian players pay at the auction.
• Accessibility for users:
• Although Indian telecom companies have made it possible to get internet almost everywhere, there are still a few corners and hills where internet accessibility is nil. Starlink would provide internet directly from the satellite, increasing the possibility of everyone getting internet access. This threatens the customer base of each Indian telecom company.
• Starlinks service cost to India:
• According to former Indian head to Starlink, it may cost around Rs 1,58,000 in the first year, Rs 1,15,000, which includes a 30 % tax for second year. The equipment is expected cost Rs 37,400, with an additional monthly service fee of Rs 7,425.

Will Airtel And Jio Slash Tariff Rates For Customers?

The biggest threat the Indian telecom companies see on their way is the cost that the customers will have to pay for the services. A few months ago, Jio and a few more telecom companies raised their tariff prices, which took a toll on the number of customer base. The entry of Starlink also suggests low-cost, high-speed internet services for people in all regions. Experts anticipate that Indian telecom companies might slash their tariff plans. They can take this step to keep customers intact and ensure that they are not lured by the low cost of Starlink services.

Read More: Starlink In India: Musk Accepts Government Conditions – What The Future Holds?