Latest news with #Starling
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Starlink to offer satellite internet at Rs 3,000 per month, says MoS telecom
Elon Musk's satellite internet service Starling recently secured operational rights in India. Last month, the union minister for communications Jyotiraditya Scindia confirmed that Starling can now offer services in India. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Now a report by news agency PTI suggests that Starlink may offer its services in the country at monthly subscription free of approximately Rs 3,000. The report also adds that initially the service will be provided to limited users. Starlink to offer satellite internet at Rs 3,000 per month As reported by PTI, Minister of state for telecom Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar has revealed that Starlink is set to offer high-speed connectivity across India at a monthly cost of around Rs 3,000. The service which users earth's orbit satellites is said to offer its internet services in rural and remote areas where traditional broadband infrastructure is limited. Shekar also said the service will be initially limited to only 20 lakh users. 'Starlink can have only 20 lakh customers in India and offer up to 200 Mbps speed. That won't affect telecom services," the minister said. So the relatively high cost and limited reach of the service makes that for the time being it quite unlikely for Starlink to disrupt the existing telecom players like BSNL, Jio, and Airtel, which continue to dominate urban and semi-urban markets. Starlink in India launch date (expected) While Starlink has not officially announced a launch date for its satellite internet services in India, reports suggest the service could roll out within the next three months. It is also expected that pre-orders of the internet service may open soon, allowing customers in India to book the service by paying a small upfront amount. Starlink in India hardware requirements Starlink hardware will be distributed in India through telecom players – Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Both firms have signed agreements with SpaceX ahead of Starlink's planned entry into the Indian market. The exact pricing of Starlink equipment in India has not been announced. In the United States, the standard Starlink kit is priced at $349 (approximately Rs 30,000), while the smaller Starlink Mini costs $599 (around Rs 43,000). In India, internet speeds are expected to vary between 25 Mbps and 220 Mbps, depending on the user's location and satellite coverage. Starlink in India pricing (expected) According to reports, Starlink plans to offer satellite internet kits with a price tag of Rs 33,000. Monthly subscription, on the other hand, may be priced around Rs 3,000-Rs 4,200.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Your chance to bag £175 by switching to the bank voted Britain's BEST for customer satisfaction
Products featured in this article are independently selected by This is Money's specialist journalists. If you open an account using links which have an asterisk, This is Money will earn an affiliate commission. We do not allow this to affect our editorial independence. Banks First Direct and Starling have been named the best British organisations for customer satisfaction, even though they have no physical presence on the high street. The banking duo beat high street staples M&S, John Lewis and Holland & Barrett to the top two spots in the UK Customer Satisfaction Index. Nationwide dropped from second place in July 2024 to fourth, despite a promise to keep all of its branches open until 2028 – with an advertising campaign featuring the actor Dominic West. First Direct* is currently giving £175 to those who switch their current account, with terms and conditions applying. You can read more details on what you need to do to qualify below. Average satisfaction with banks and building societies has increased since July 2024 and banking is now the second best-performing sector overall, behind non-food retail. Jo Causon, chief executive of the Institute of Customer Service, which runs the survey, said this reflects improved customer-focused regulation, forcing 'boards to increase their focus on customer experience, including better communication, greater clarity on product offerings and refocusing staff on customer outcomes.' Switching terms Account details First Direct 1st Account* To get the £175 you must:- Not have had a First Direct product or HSBC Current Account since Jan 2018 - Switch using the Current Account Switching Service within 45 days of account opening, including 2+ direct debits or standing orders- Deposit £1,000, make 5+ debit card payments and log in to digital banking within 45 days - Requires credit check - 0% EAR variable on overdraft up to £250, 39.9% EAR variable thereafter; representative rate 30.5% APR variable- For customers with an offset mortgage linked to a 1st Account, interest-free limit won't apply Great customer service 'not as simple' as branches versus phone and digital First Direct* is well-regarded for its fast 24/7 phone-based customer service and has also made improvements to its mobile app in recent years. It leapt from 14th place in last year's satisfaction index to the top of this year's table. Starling Bank* is a digital-first challenger bank that's grown substantially since it launched in 2014, and itself has seen a sizable jump from last year's satisfaction survey, going from sixth place to second. The Institute of Customer Service puts this jump in performance down to the introduction of the FCA's Consumer Duty rules, which aim to make sure financial firms are delivering good outcomes for customers. 'The strong performance of First Direct, Starling and Nationwide shows that good customer service is not as simple as branches versus telephone and digital, human versus AI or bank versus building society,' said Jo Causon. > Learn more about First Direct and switch* > Learn more about Starling Bank and switch* Should you switch bank? Many people remain with their bank for decades, despite there being potentially better current accounts on offer elswhere. Perks can range from interest on balances, to fee-free spending overseas, while different banks' apps and features can make a difference to how you manage your money. This is Money has long been a fan of both First Direct and Starling's current accounts. The former has a strong history of good customer service and the latter has a good app and no charges for spending abroad. In our view, Nationwide, in fourth place in terms of customer satisfaction, is also a great choice for earning interest on the cash in your account, offering 5 per cent on FlexDirect balances up to £1,500 in the first year. After this it drops to just one per cent. There's also up to £5 cashback available each month on debit card purchases for the first year. First Direct's £175 offer* is a great option for earning cash on your switch, with £175 up for grabs. You must be a new customer and use the Current Account Switch Service to bag the deal. Make sure you read the terms and conditions before going ahead. There isn't currently an end date for the offer. But First Direct says it can be withdrawn at any time, so if you want to make the switch, it makes sense to do so while you still can.
South Wales Argus
3 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
What is a reasonable budget for a holiday? Expert explains
Based on a survey of 2,114 UK adults by Starling Bank, holiday spending has increased by a quarter (23%) since 2023. Brits are spending £822.50 more per week abroad than at home, compared to £668 two years ago. However, they are also taking a savvier approach to their holiday spending, with nearly eight in ten (78%) holidaymakers setting a budget ahead of their trip, compared to 66% of those surveyed by Starling in 2023. It's important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to budgeting, and it will look different for every trip. Becca Stroud, Personal Finance Expert at Starling Bank, has shared a few tips for creating a reasonable holiday budget. What is a reasonable budget for a holiday, and how to create one? Think about the spending involved A good first step to creating a reasonable holiday budget is to make a list of all the things you need to account for when away and estimate how much it will all cost. Becca adds: "If your bank offers spending insights, you can try analysing your previous trip to see how much you typically spend on categories like drinks, groceries and experiences while away. "Once you know how much you'll need to roughly put aside, you can start saving up for your trip." Save up in advance, and separate out your savings Creating a dedicated savings fund can prevent you from accidentally spending money intended for your trip. Set a limit for how much you'd like to spend while you're away Planning what you'd like to do on your trip can be helpful in creating a rough daily spend target to stay within your holiday budget. Becca adds: "Some banks, like Starling, let you ringfence your funds into separate Spaces, so why not get creative with them? "You could create a Space for each day of your trip, or separate your Spaces for experiences, meals out and essentials." Keep track of your spending It's easy to lose track of your spending on holiday, particularly when you're having a nice time and you don't want to keep checking exchange rates. Becca explains: "It's worth having a daily check-in while on holiday to make sure you're aware of what you're spending. "To make this easier, you can turn on notifications for each time you make a purchase - this will give you a reality check and remind you to keep an eye on your budget." Don't tip your bank Transaction fees can be an issue when paying for items with your debit card, but some banks don't charge them. Becca says: "To avoid transaction fees make sure you click the option to pay in the local currency as opposed to in pounds. Recommended reading: "These small savings add up, giving you some extra cash to play with for guilt-free treats and activities." Consider a holiday spending buffer If you can, consider having a holiday spending buffer in place for any emergencies or unexpected expenses while away Becca explains: "Our research found that two-thirds of those surveyed created a buffer, setting aside a whopping £519.70 on average."
Rhyl Journal
4 days ago
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
What is a reasonable budget for a holiday? Expert explains
Based on a survey of 2,114 UK adults by Starling Bank, holiday spending has increased by a quarter (23%) since 2023. Brits are spending £822.50 more per week abroad than at home, compared to £668 two years ago. However, they are also taking a savvier approach to their holiday spending, with nearly eight in ten (78%) holidaymakers setting a budget ahead of their trip, compared to 66% of those surveyed by Starling in 2023. It's important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to budgeting, and it will look different for every trip. Becca Stroud, Personal Finance Expert at Starling Bank, has shared a few tips for creating a reasonable holiday budget. A good first step to creating a reasonable holiday budget is to make a list of all the things you need to account for when away and estimate how much it will all cost. Becca adds: "If your bank offers spending insights, you can try analysing your previous trip to see how much you typically spend on categories like drinks, groceries and experiences while away. "Once you know how much you'll need to roughly put aside, you can start saving up for your trip." Creating a dedicated savings fund can prevent you from accidentally spending money intended for your trip. Planning what you'd like to do on your trip can be helpful in creating a rough daily spend target to stay within your holiday budget. Becca adds: "Some banks, like Starling, let you ringfence your funds into separate Spaces, so why not get creative with them? "You could create a Space for each day of your trip, or separate your Spaces for experiences, meals out and essentials." It's easy to lose track of your spending on holiday, particularly when you're having a nice time and you don't want to keep checking exchange rates. Becca explains: "It's worth having a daily check-in while on holiday to make sure you're aware of what you're spending. "To make this easier, you can turn on notifications for each time you make a purchase - this will give you a reality check and remind you to keep an eye on your budget." Transaction fees can be an issue when paying for items with your debit card, but some banks don't charge them. Becca says: "To avoid transaction fees make sure you click the option to pay in the local currency as opposed to in pounds. Recommended reading: Does buying from duty free at the airport save you money and how does it work? The best ways to try and prevent jet lag on a long-haul flight Here are the best seats to choose on a plane - and the ones to avoid "These small savings add up, giving you some extra cash to play with for guilt-free treats and activities." If you can, consider having a holiday spending buffer in place for any emergencies or unexpected expenses while away Becca explains: "Our research found that two-thirds of those surveyed created a buffer, setting aside a whopping £519.70 on average."
North Wales Chronicle
4 days ago
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
What is a reasonable budget for a holiday? Expert explains
Based on a survey of 2,114 UK adults by Starling Bank, holiday spending has increased by a quarter (23%) since 2023. Brits are spending £822.50 more per week abroad than at home, compared to £668 two years ago. However, they are also taking a savvier approach to their holiday spending, with nearly eight in ten (78%) holidaymakers setting a budget ahead of their trip, compared to 66% of those surveyed by Starling in 2023. It's important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to budgeting, and it will look different for every trip. Becca Stroud, Personal Finance Expert at Starling Bank, has shared a few tips for creating a reasonable holiday budget. A good first step to creating a reasonable holiday budget is to make a list of all the things you need to account for when away and estimate how much it will all cost. Becca adds: "If your bank offers spending insights, you can try analysing your previous trip to see how much you typically spend on categories like drinks, groceries and experiences while away. "Once you know how much you'll need to roughly put aside, you can start saving up for your trip." Creating a dedicated savings fund can prevent you from accidentally spending money intended for your trip. Planning what you'd like to do on your trip can be helpful in creating a rough daily spend target to stay within your holiday budget. Becca adds: "Some banks, like Starling, let you ringfence your funds into separate Spaces, so why not get creative with them? "You could create a Space for each day of your trip, or separate your Spaces for experiences, meals out and essentials." It's easy to lose track of your spending on holiday, particularly when you're having a nice time and you don't want to keep checking exchange rates. Becca explains: "It's worth having a daily check-in while on holiday to make sure you're aware of what you're spending. "To make this easier, you can turn on notifications for each time you make a purchase - this will give you a reality check and remind you to keep an eye on your budget." Transaction fees can be an issue when paying for items with your debit card, but some banks don't charge them. Becca says: "To avoid transaction fees make sure you click the option to pay in the local currency as opposed to in pounds. Recommended reading: Does buying from duty free at the airport save you money and how does it work? The best ways to try and prevent jet lag on a long-haul flight Here are the best seats to choose on a plane - and the ones to avoid "These small savings add up, giving you some extra cash to play with for guilt-free treats and activities." If you can, consider having a holiday spending buffer in place for any emergencies or unexpected expenses while away Becca explains: "Our research found that two-thirds of those surveyed created a buffer, setting aside a whopping £519.70 on average."
