What is Starlink Internet? What is the difference between AirFiber & Starlink?

Starlink Satellite in India

In India, companies like Jio and Airtel are already providing internet services through AirFiber or broadband connections, which we commonly know as wireless broadband internet. Now, Starlink has entered the world of internet services in India, where internet will be provided through satellites. A few days ago, Starlink officially announced the launch of its services in India.

Starlink satellite internet network concept in India showing global connectivity and digital growth

The company Starlink (Starlink) has received a license from the Indian telecom department to start satellite-wireless broadband internet services in India. The company, founded by US businessman Elon Musk, has made deals with major Indian telecom players such as Jio and Airtel.
With Starlink Satellite Internet you’ll receive service directly via satellite, so there’s no need to lay fibre-cables or install towers.

What is AirFiber and How does it work?

The service called AirFiber (as provided by Jio or Airtel) is a wireless broadband internet technology. It gives high-speed 5G internet via WiFi 6 technology and connects to your nearest tower. Even though it is wireless, it still depends on towers.

What is the difference between AirFiber and Starlink?

Starlink’s technology is completely different from AirFiber. AirFiber requires connectivity via a tower, while Starlink’s wireless internet service requires neither fibre nor towers.
You get a device (“receiver”) which connects directly via satellite and provides internet to you. Starlink’s service is delivered via a large network of low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellites from SpaceX. Currently more than 7,000 Starlink satellites are in operation. This makes it ideal for remote or hilly regions where there are no towers or cables. You install a receiver that connects to the satellite, and then you can use internet on your mobile, smart-TV, laptop or any internet-device.

How does Starlink work?

Starlink uses a network of satellites in low-earth orbit (LEO) to provide high-speed internet coverage around the world, reaching regions where traditional internet is unavailable. These satellites connect with ground stations, then via a receiver they deliver data to your device with low latency.

Benefits of Starlink Internet

Internet Speed: Because the connection is directly via satellite, you can get higher speeds.
Low Latency Internet: It works even in areas with no fibre-cables or tower networks.
Portability: The receiver you get is portable—you can take it with you anywhere.
Connectivity in Remote Regions: Works well even in mountainous or remote rural areas where connectivity is limited.

In India, Starlink will face competition from several players.

OneWeb (Eutelsat) is a joint venture launched by Indian company Bharti Enterprises and the British government. This project primarily provides satellite internet services to government and corporate clients.

On the other hand, Reliance Jio’s new service, JioSpaceFiber, is currently in the trial phase in limited areas, with its main focus on delivering internet connectivity to remote regions.

Meanwhile, Hughes Communications India has been providing satellite internet services to government and defense sectors for many years and is known as an experienced provider in this field.

Starlink Plans & Recharge

In India, Starlink’s hardware (the receiver and other equipment) can cost around ₹30,000-₹35,000. Monthly plans reportedly start from around ₹3,000 per month.

How much internet speed will you get from Starlink?

According to the company’s website, during the beta stage, “users can expect data speeds between 50 to 150 Mbps over the next several months.” Elon Musk had tweeted in February that he expects the internet speed to double to 300 Mbps by the end of 2021.

Starlink in India

Starlink’s satellite-wireless broadband service has been approved in India. It is the third company in India (after Jio and OneWeb) to provide satellite-internet services. The approval for its Gen-1 satellites in India is valid for 5 years and the company is authorized to operate its Gen-1 satellite network in India until 2030.

Can Starlink be Used Directly on Phones?

Starlink internet cannot be used directly on a mobile phone. Users need to install a special receiver antenna at their home, which connects directly to the satellite. This process is somewhat similar to setting up a satellite TV connection. Once the receiver is connected, users can connect their phones, laptops, and other devices to the internet via Wi-Fi.

Some people may confuse Starlink with the satellite communication technology available on iPhones, but there is a big difference between the two. The iPhone’s satellite communication feature is only used for emergency messaging, where the phone connects to a special satellite network to send or receive limited details. In contrast, Starlink is a full-fledged internet service designed to provide services like video streaming, online gaming, and web browsing.

What will be the benefit of Starlink?

The main goal of Starlink is to provide high-speed internet to areas where broadband or fiber services cannot reach. Students, farmers, and small business owners in rural and remote regions will benefit the most from it.

This new service will also create employment opportunities in the country, as local people will be involved in setting up, operating, and maintaining the network.

Conclusion:

In this article you learnt what Starlink is, how it differs from AirFiber, how Starlink’s satellite service works, its benefits, plans in India, and its speed figures. The article hopes you found the information useful.

Difference Between Starlink Internet and AirFiber