Elon Musk’s Satellite Internet Starlink To Beam Into India Very Soon

Elon Musk's Starlink, a satellite internet venture by SpaceX, has received in-principle approval from India's telecom ministry, marking a significant milestone after three-and-a-half years of pursuit. This approval arrives just ahead of Musk's scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Modi. However, the final green light awaits the home ministry's scrutiny on security matters, with the process currently at the desk of Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Pending a few remaining approvals, Starlink could soon commence operations in India. Starlink, comprised of a network of satellites, aims to provide internet access globally. SpaceX launched its first Starlink mission in May 2019, with around five thousand satellites currently in orbit. Each satellite weighs approximately 260 kg and operates in low orbit. The Starlink system includes a dish, base, router, and cables, offering subscription plans with varying speeds and prices. Overseas, in countries like the USA and Malaysia, subscription plans range from Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,500, with speeds between 25-100 mbps. In India, Starlink's potential entry into the market poses competition to existing players like Jio and Eutelsat OneWeb. While Starlink aims to enhance connectivity, especially in rural areas, it has applied for a GMPCS license to broaden its services. If granted, Starlink will become the third company in India to receive such a license. This move could foster increased competition, potentially lowering internet costs and improving service quality. Moreover, by expanding internet access, Starlink has the potential to drive socio-economic development, empowering communities, enhancing education, and healthcare services.