In a country as vast and diverse as India, where internet connectivity remains a challenge in many rural and remote areas, satellite internet services like Starlink have the potential to revolutionise how millions access the web. Developed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, Starlink promises to bring fast, affordable, and reliable internet to underserved regions, eliminating the need for traditional broadband infrastructure. But what exactly is Starlink, how can Indians use it, and when will the service be widely available in India? Here’s an in-depth look.
What is Starlink?
Starlink is a satellite-based internet service launched by SpaceX, the aerospace company founded by Elon Musk. Unlike traditional internet providers that rely on cables or fiber-optic infrastructure, Starlink uses a constellation of small satellites orbiting the Earth to beam high-speed internet directly to users on the ground. This makes it an ideal solution for rural, remote, or difficult-to-reach areas where laying cables is impractical or too expensive.
Starlink promises to deliver fast internet with speeds ranging from 50 Mbps to 150 Mbps, and low latency, making it suitable for activities like video conferencing, streaming, gaming, and professional work. Since it doesn’t depend on ground-based infrastructure, Starlink is ideal for places that often struggle with internet access, including vast rural parts of India.
How to Use Starlink?
Setting up Starlink is a relatively simple process.
1. Check availability: Before anything else, check if Starlink service is available in your area. You can do this by visiting the official Starlink website, where you can enter your location to see if it’s covered by Starlink’s satellite network.
2. Order the kit: If Starlink is available, the next step is to order the Starlink kit. The kit includes a satellite dish, a Wi-Fi router, and the necessary cables
3. Install the dish: Setting up the system is user-friendly. You need to position the Starlink dish in a location with an unobstructed view of the sky (preferably on a rooftop or open space). The dish automatically aligns itself to connect with the satellites in orbit. The installation process is guided through the Starlink app, which helps you with positioning and setting up the device.
4. Activate and use: After installation, the Starlink app will help you activate the service. Once activated, the system will connect to the nearest satellites, and you’ll be able to use high-speed internet on your devices through the Starlink router.
When will Starlink fully launch in India?
Starlink’s full-scale commercial launch in India has faced some delays, primarily due to regulatory challenges. While the company has been offering beta services in select regions since 2020, it has yet to receive final approval for nationwide commercial operation from the Indian government.
Why the delay?
Starlink’s launch in India has been delayed primarily due to regulatory hurdles. The Indian government, through the Department of Space and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), requires satellite internet services like Starlink to obtain licenses and comply with local communication laws, including spectrum allocation and security concerns. Additionally, there have been delays in securing the necessary approvals to operate on a nationwide scale. In 2021, the government asked Starlink to halt its beta services in India until it could obtain the proper regulatory clearances. These challenges have slowed Starlink’s expansion in the country, despite growing demand for reliable internet in underserved and rural areas.
Starlink is expected to roll out more widely in India once the regulatory framework is clarified and the necessary approvals are in place. As SpaceX continues to launch additional satellites and expand its network, service coverage in India will gradually improve. The Indian government is also working on a policy to regulate satellite internet services, which could facilitate a smoother launch for services like Starlink.
India satellite internet connectivity policy
India’s satellite internet policy is still evolving, with the government taking steps to facilitate its growth through administrative spectrum allocation, setting guidelines for foreign ownership, and developing a regulatory framework. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is working on finalising rules for satellite communications by December 2024. The policy aims to leverage satellite internet to bridge the digital divide, particularly in remote and underserved areas, aligning with the Digital India initiative. While companies like SpaceX’s Starlink are keen to enter the market, the sector faces challenges such as regulatory hurdles, spectrum allocation issues, and high costs.
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