Starlink will be able to make only 20 lakh customers in India, domestic companies will retain their hold

Elon Musk-owned satellite communication firm Starlink has been given permission to offer just 20 lakh connections in India. This was informed by Union Minister of State for Telecommunications Pemmasani Chandra Shekhar on Monday. According to him, this limited capability of Starlink won't pose any threat to BSNL or any other telecom companies.

The minister was speaking to the media after a review meeting of BSNL. He said, "Starlink will be able to provide speeds of up to 200 Mbps to only 20 lakh users. Its current capacity sets its limit."

According to the minister, the initial cost of the satcom service will be very high and the monthly expense can reach around Rs 3,000. These services will be primarily targeted at rural and remote areas, where BSNL currently has a strong presence.

The minister further added that BSNL's rollout of 4G network is over and there is no plan for tariff increase at present. BSNL's revenue in the first quarter has increased by 20-30%, which is due to the successful running of 4G and addressing technical issues. Till now, 30,000 power stations have been replaced for which ₹600-700 crore were incurred.

The minister said that now indigenous technologies are being given priority in BSNL and 2G and 3G technologies will be gradually removed. BSNL had earlier used equipment from Chinese companies like ZTE, but now their need is also being eliminated.