Experience high-speed satellite internet with Starlink Launch in India. Bridging the digital gap in remote areas. Fast, reliable, and ready for connectivity.
Elon Musk’s Starlink is set to revolutionize internet connectivity in India, receiving approval from the Indian government to operate after overcoming regulatory hurdles. As the third company to obtain a global mobile personal communication by satellite services (GMPCS) license, Starlink aims to bridge the digital divide, particularly in rural and remote areas.
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Recent Developments of Starlink Launch in India:
Starlink is on track to receive approval this week pending clarification of its shareholding pattern. Once approved, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) will issue a letter of intent, making Starlink the third company, alongside Jio Satellite Communications and OneWeb, to secure the GMPCS license in India.
However, the approval doesn’t grant immediate commencement of satellite-based broadband services. Starlink needs additional approval from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre to establish earth stations. Spectrum allocation from the DoT is also necessary before services can begin. Notably, Amazon’s Project Kuiper is also seeking a GMPCS license in India.
Past Issues:
In 2021, Starlink faced challenges with the Indian government regarding pre-orders for its terminals. Despite planning trials for its satellite communication (satcom) services, the government directed Starlink to refund fees collected without proper permission. Following this, the head of Starlink’s India operations resigned.
Benefits of Starlink in India:
Satellite communication offers broadband speeds comparable to 4G, ranging up to 100 Mbps, making it ideal for areas without traditional internet infrastructure. Starlink users typically experience download speeds between 25 and 220 Mbps and upload speeds between 5 and 20 Mbps. This technology is especially beneficial for schools, healthcare facilities, and remote areas where traditional networks are challenging to deploy.
Service Cost of Starlink in India:
While the exact cost of Starlink’s service in India is unknown, estimates from the former India head suggest an initial cost of around Rs 1,58,000 in the first year and Rs 1,15,000 from the second year, including a 30 percent tax. The user equipment’s base price is expected to be Rs 37,400, with an additional monthly service fee of Rs 7,425.
Global Operations:
Starlink distinguishes itself by operating over 5,000 active satellites in low-earth orbit, around 550 km from the Earth’s surface. This proximity significantly reduces latency to around 25 ms, facilitating activities such as online gaming, video calls, and streaming. SpaceX’s capability for frequent, low-cost launches allows Starlink to maintain an up-to-date satellite constellation.
Conclusion:
As India’s space economy is projected to grow, Starlink’s entry promises to play a crucial role in expanding internet access, particularly in rural and remote regions. The approval process and subsequent deployment of services will mark a milestone in providing high-speed, reliable internet connectivity to underserved areas, contributing to the nation’s digital transformation.
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