Starlink to Launch Satellite Internet Services in India Within Two Months
Why in News?
- Starlink, owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has received a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licence from India’s Department of Telecommunications.
Important Key Points:
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License Approved:
Starlink, owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has received a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licence from India’s Department of Telecommunications—becoming the third company, after Eutelsat OneWeb and Reliance Jio, to secure permission for satellite broadband services in India. -
Launch Timeline:
With this milestone, Starlink is on course to begin commercial operations in India within the next two months, after completing prerequisites like spectrum allocation and security compliance. -
Affordable Plans:
Services are expected to cost around ₹3,000 per month, potentially including a one-month trial period, making satellite internet accessible for remote and underserved regions. -
Technical & Regulatory Preparations:
Before launch, Starlink must acquire satellite spectrum, secure approvals from India’s space regulator IN-SPACe, build ground infrastructure, and undergo rigorous security testing as mandated by Indian regulations—expected to take several months. -
Broader Implications:
The entry of Starlink is poised to revolutionize connectivity in rural, hilly, and disaster-prone areas, bridging the digital divide and boosting competition among satellite broadband providers like OneWeb and Jio.
