Starlink website is now accepting early slot booking for their high speed satellite based high speed wireless internet service for Indian users and Indian locations. USD 99 (Roughly Rs. 7200/-) is the booking charge and service is scheduled to launch in India by Late 2022.
What is Space X Starlink Internet Project?
Internet connection will be beamed using laser based methods from Space X base stations to multiple (over 7000) high altitude (1200 km) backbone / backhaul satellites. Those back end satellites then connect using same laser based network with multiple (over 35,000) smaller but really low earth orbit (340kms) satellites and these satellites will use radio wave (like WiFi) to beam the internet signals down to normal users like you and me.
First time in human history, users around the world, no matter which location you are in, now can access really high speed (150 mbps to 1 gbps), low latency ( 20- 25ms ping time) broadband internet connection.
How to connect to Space X Internet Service?
Wait, you can’t directly connect to space x internet using your PC / Laptop or mobile. You will need their connection installation kit, something like you get with you Dish TV kit.
1. Dish Antenna
2. Controller box (something like Set top Box)
3. Power Adapter
You get a normal Dual Band WiFi signal from Space X control unit and normal ethernet (RJ45 CAT5) port to connect your network switch or additional routers.
Is it available in India and what is the cost?
SpaceX has just opened booking for their service, but remember, they are still expecting to launch the service in India by Mid or Late 2022.
Booking amount is USD 99 + if any credit card fee that your card company or bank may charge. However the booking is fully refundable and at anytime before installation.
There is no installation charge or any installation team. Space X would just send you the kit and you need to install it by yourself. Although SpaceX didn’t yet release any public plans, but early users in USA is reporting that lowest plan to be USD 99, thats around Rs. 7200/- per month for a 150mbps service with Data Caps (FUP limits).
Do you really need Space X Satellite Internet Service?
Most of us in Cities and towns will have much cheaper and better Fiber Optics broadband in India from Reliance Jio Fiber or many others. So most of us in Cities and Townships do not need it.
However, many business and pro users will simply love it.
For example, if you are into Hotel / Tourism industry, you may have an awesome property at some awesome remote location but 99% of your guests will complain about the lack of internet. There, this service can be a game changer.
Similarly, many pro users depend heavily on Internet for work and often with any service in India, outage is frustrating. So if your landline fiber optics is down and mobile internet is simply not upto the speed, this space based internet can keep your internet works running.
How to order the Space X Star Link Internet connection?
Simply visit their website, https://www.starlink.com/ and book your connection.
Remember, their connection is location locked, so if you plan to use the connection in Ladakh, don’t order it at your office or home at Mumbai / Delhi or Bangalore. You need to select the address where you intend to use the device, otherwise, it wont work there.
