- Starlink and JioSat are racing to dominate India’s satellite broadband market.
- Regulatory challenges and affordability remain key hurdles for mass adoption.
What happened
Elon Musk’s Starlink and Mukesh Ambani’s JioSat are in a competitive race to bring satellite-based internet to millions of Indians, particularly in underserved and remote regions. With India’s vast rural population still lacking reliable broadband access, satellite internet presents an opportunity to bridge the connectivity gap.
Starlink has been pushing for regulatory approvals to operate in India, aiming to launch its low Earth orbit (LEO) broadband services in the country. Meanwhile, Reliance’s JioSat, backed by Ambani’s telecom giant Reliance Jio, is aggressively expanding its own satellite offerings. Both companies promise high-speed, low-latency internet, which could revolutionise connectivity in rural India.
However, affordability remains a major concern. While satellite broadband provides an alternative to traditional fibre and mobile networks, the cost of access and necessary equipment could limit its reach among lower-income consumers. Additionally, regulatory hurdles could delay large-scale deployment.
Why it’s important
India’s rural connectivity remains a significant challenge, with millions lacking access to fast and reliable internet. The competition between Starlink and JioSat could accelerate the deployment of advanced broadband solutions, improving education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
However, regulatory complexities and pricing concerns must be addressed to ensure accessibility for a broader population. If successful, satellite broadband could play a key role in India’s digital future, providing connectivity where traditional telecom infrastructure struggles to reach.
