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What is Elon Musk’s Starlink ?

What is Starlink?

  • Starlink is a satellite-based internet service operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
  • It consists of a low-earth orbit (LEO) constellation of 7,000+ satellites, providing global internet coverage.
  • Requires ground terminals (user equipment) to access the internet.
  • Offers speeds of ~100 Mbps, but latency is higher than wired broadband.

Relevance : GS 3(Science , Technology)

Starlinks Utility in India

  • Not beneficial in urban areas where 5G and fiber broadband are faster and more reliable.
  • Key for rural and remote areas, offering connectivity where terrestrial networks are absent.
  • Provides an instant internet solution in areas where infrastructure development is slow.

Regulatory Hurdles in India

  • GMPCS Authorisation: Needed under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 for satellite communication services.
  • Security Clearance: Ministry of Home Affairs approval pending.
  • Ground Station Regulations: Indian law requires telecom networks to have tapping provisions for security agencies.
  • Spectrum Allocation:
    • Indian government does not favor auctions for satellite spectrum.
    • Jio and Airtel earlier demanded auctions, citing the Supreme Court’s 2012 ruling on scarce resources (2G spectrum case).
    • The government may allocate spectrum directly (common international practice).

Trade & Geopolitical Influence

  • U.S. Trade Pressure:
    • Elon Musk has increasing influence in the U.S. government.
    • Potential U.S. lobbying to fast-track Starlink’s entry.
  • India-U.S. Relations:
    • Strong trade ties could influence regulatory decisions in favor of Starlink.
    • Starlink’s entry might be fast-tracked if U.S. pressure intensifies.

Recent Developments

  • Airtel & Jio Agreements:
    • Signed distribution pacts despite earlier opposition.
    • Indicates a possible softening stance on satellite broadband.
  • No Official Announcements:
    • Regulatory approvals still pending.
    • Government’s final decision on spectrum allocation remains uncertain.

March 2025
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