Elon Musk’s Starlink, a prominent global provider of satellite internet services, commenced its operations in 2019 with the launch of low-earth orbit satellites. By early 2021, the company had initiated internet services and currently boasts a satellite constellation exceeding 4600 in space.
This constellation enables direct internet connectivity in remote areas across the globe, with Starlink’s services now available in over 60 countries spanning North and South America, Europe, Africa, and selected regions around Australia.
All About Elon Musk’s Starlink coming to India
According to recent reports from The Economic Times, SpaceX-backed Starlink has successfully met all requirements for a satellite communication service license in India. The company has met the criteria set by the Indian government for operating satellite services in the country.
Presently, Starlink is undergoing a security check by the Government of India (GoI), and upon completion of verification, it is poised to receive a GMPCS license in India. This license will authorize the company to launch commercial satellite internet services across the country.
Starlink is diligently adhering to Indian regulations concerning data storage and transfer, ensuring compliance with international standards for data security in its satellite communication operations within India. The GMPCS license not only enables Starlink to provide internet services but also includes provisions for voice and messaging services. In certain regions, Starlink offers direct-to-cell services, allowing regular LTE phones to connect directly with its low-earth orbit satellites for voice and data services.
Despite Starlink’s established infrastructure, which makes it a formidable player in the satellite internet services sector, it faces competition in India from entities such as Amazon, Reliance Jio, and Airtel OneWeb. The satellite internet market in India is anticipated to become highly competitive, reminiscent of the 4G revolution in 2016.
Airtel OneWeb and Reliance Jio have already secured GMPCS licenses from the Department of Telecommunications in India, conducting beta-phase testing of their satellite internet services. Amazon has also applied for the GMPCS license, with the Indian government yet to finalize its application.
According to TRAI, rural areas in India have limited broadband connectivity as a result of the high investment costs associated with underground cables. The growth of broadband users has primarily occurred in developing cities. Consequently, satellite internet services are viewed as a viable solution to reach inaccessible areas across India, requiring only a small receiver antenna to directly connect with the satellite. A single base station receiver has the capacity to support 10–15 individual broadband connections.
For context, Starlink currently offers speeds of up to 300 Mbps, with expectations of higher speeds as the company continues to launch additional satellites into space. Starlink’s long-term goal is to deploy over 42,000 satellites, representing a tenfold increase from its current count of 4600.
