Florida-based Spacecoin is preparing to enter the Indian market later this year with low-bandwidth satellite internet services priced under ₹200/month. The service is specifically designed for remote and underserved regions, focusing on basic connectivity needs like messaging, financial access, and web browsing.
A Different Approach from Starlink
Unlike Elon Musk’s Starlink, which offers high-speed broadband directly to consumers, Spacecoin is opting for a B2B model, working exclusively with Indian telecom companies to deliver services. Founder Tae Oh told Moneycontrol that this model allows them to avoid high infrastructure costs and reach users faster through established telco networks.
Telco Collaborations Underway
Spacecoin is currently in advanced talks with multiple Indian telecom operators. “We are doing co-engineering of the service with them,” said Tae Oh. “There is a real need in India’s remote areas, and telcos are responding positively.” The company expects to announce its first Indian partnership by the end of 2025.
Low-Bandwidth, High-Coverage Model
The entry-level plan is set to cost around USD 2 (₹170) per month, with higher usage incurring additional charges. Billing and customer interface will be handled entirely by local telecom providers, who will also pay Spacecoin for data transmission over its satellite network.
Growing Satcom Interest in India
India has become a hotspot for the growing satellite communications (satcom) race:
- Eutelsat OneWeb, Starlink, Amazon Project Kuiper, and Jio-SES are already building their presence.
- Starlink has signed distribution pacts with Jio and Airtel, though is still awaiting full regulatory clearances.
A Global Blockchain-Powered Satellite Network
Spacecoin’s satellites will operate as part of a Decentralised Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN)—a blockchain-powered system that allows other telecoms, militaries, and governments to join the network. This would enable shared satellite access and revenue, helping the company scale faster with limited satellite launches.
Satellite Rollout Plan
- First satellite launched with SpaceX in December 2024
- Three more satellites planned for October 2025
- Target: global coverage with fewer than 10 satellites in early phase
- Future goal: scale to hundreds of satellites as demand grows
India Is a Key Market
Spacecoin views India as central to its initial growth phase, citing strong demand, underserved rural areas, and low data costs. With its affordable offering and blockchain infrastructure model, Spacecoin aims to complement, not compete with, traditional telecoms.
