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Starlink Review: Starlink is preparing to launch its satellite internet service in India soon. The Indian government has decided to allocate satellite spectrum for internet services, which is a common practice around the world. At the moment, the rules for spectrum allocation from TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) are yet to be determined. Once these rules are finalized, companies such as Starlink will be able to launch their services in India.
Given the state of internet access in India, the launch of Starlink could be a big step, especially in areas that do not have traditional internet connectivity. If you are also thinking of using Starlink, then know in this article what you can expect after the launch of this service in India.
Introducing Starlink’s satellite internet service
Starlink is a satellite internet service developed by SpaceX . The service claims to provide high-speed internet at a low cost, and aims to provide internet connectivity to remote areas around the world. The internet service is provided using Starlink satellites, which is very different from traditional wire-based internet.
The biggest advantage of this service is that it works in areas where there are connectivity limitations or where traditional network infrastructure is not available.
Starlink Internet Experience: Global Users’ Opinion
Starlink’s internet service is already available in some countries, and user feedback has been mixed. If you are thinking of using Starlink in India, here are some user experiences:
The Starlink Experience in Kenya
Moses Kemibaro , who uses Starlink in Kenya, said he found the internet speeds to be very impressive, often exceeding 100 Mbps. However, he also reported some issues with latency (delay in data transfer). He said the latency rate ranged between 20 and 70 milliseconds. This level is generally fine for video streaming and video calls, but not for gaming.
Starlink Experience in Malaysia
Muhammad Naim , who uses Starlink in Malaysia, said his internet speed was over 200 Mbps. However, he also complained of latency and network interruptions due to weather. He said these problems can be solved if the dish is installed in the right place, such as in a location with a clear sky view.
Expectations of Starlink internet service in India
In India, if you live in an area where there are very tall buildings or the weather is bad, you may also face some such problems. However, these problems can be solved if the Starlink satellite dish is placed in a place that has a clear view of the sky.
Latency and Internet speed
If you are planning to use Starlink for general internet services like video streaming, video calling, and web browsing, you may get good results. The internet speed can range from 100 Mbps to 200 Mbps, which is considered a good speed. However, if you want to use it for gaming or other high bandwidth activities, you may face some lag.
Weather and obstacles
Starlink Internet service may be affected by weather and other obstacles. For example, rain or strong winds can affect the network signal, which can slow down the internet speed. This problem has been observed not only in India but also in other countries.
However, installing a satellite dish in the right place can minimize these problems. So, if you want to use Starlink, make sure your dish has an open view to the sky.
Starlink Internet Cost
The price of Starlink internet service may be significantly higher than traditional internet options such as fiber, 4G and 5G. In Malaysia , the installation cost of Starlink was around ₹50,000, while in Kenya it was around ₹65,000. In India, the prices may be somewhat similar, although more information about this will be known when TRAI finalizes the rules for spectrum allocation.
Apart from this, you will also have to pay monthly subscription charges, which can be higher than traditional internet plans.
Starlink’s potential and challenges in India
In India, a major issue of internet connectivity is in rural and remote areas, where traditional internet networks do not have access. The use of Starlink in such areas can prove to be a game-changer. However, there are some challenges to the successful launch of Starlink.
The biggest challenge is resolving the spectrum allocation rules . As mentioned earlier, Starlink and other companies will be able to launch their services in India only after TRAI finalizes these rules. Apart from this, the high cost of Starlink can also be an issue, especially for users who want internet service on a low budget.
Starlink is all set to launch its satellite internet service in India, but there are some formalities to be followed for its launch. If you live in a remote area and are looking for high-speed internet, Starlink can be a great option. However, its cost, latency, and weather-related problems need to be kept in mind before using it. Once this service is available in India, it can be an important step in expanding the internet, especially in areas where other internet options are not available.
