Elon Musk’s Starlink to set-up in India

America Business World Current news India News Science & Technology

Elon Musk has expressed his approval of the Indian government’s choice to allocate satellite broadband spectrum through administrative means rather than via an auction process. This decision is regarded as beneficial for Musk’s satellite internet initiative, Starlink, as it enables the company to bypass the competitive bidding typically associated with spectrum access in India. During an event in New Delhi, India’s Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced that the allocation of spectrum would be conducted administratively, with pricing determined by the telecom regulator. Scindia highlighted that this method is consistent with global standards, remarking that auctioning the spectrum would diverge from international norms. This decision arises amidst ongoing discussions regarding the optimal approach for distributing satellite spectrum, which is essential for the implementation of satellite-based internet services across the nation. Musk, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stated, “We will do our best to serve the people of India with Starlink,” and pointed out that conducting an auction for the spectrum would be an unprecedented move, noting that the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a UN agency overseeing satellite communications, has historically designated this type of spectrum for shared utilization among satellite operators.

Starlink is a satellite-based internet service developed by SpaceX, the aerospace company founded by Elon Musk. In contrast to conventional internet providers that depend on ground-based cables or cellular towers, Starlink operates through a constellation of satellites positioned in low Earth orbit, enabling it to deliver internet connectivity to users. The primary objective of Starlink is to offer high-speed internet access to underserved regions, particularly in rural areas where traditional broadband infrastructure is either lacking or challenging to establish. To utilize Starlink, individuals must purchase a specialized kit that comprises a satellite dish, a Wi-Fi router, and the necessary cables. The dish is designed to be compact and portable, establishing a direct connection with the Starlink satellites to facilitate internet access at home. After installation—typically on a rooftop or in an unobstructed area—the dish begins to receive signals from the satellites, which are then transmitted via the Wi-Fi router. The setup process is relatively straightforward, and Starlink provides an application to assist users in identifying the optimal location for the dish. Unlike many conventional internet services, professional installation is not required, which adds to the convenience of the service.

Starlink offers internet speeds between 25 Mbps and 220 Mbps, depending on the plan and location, outperforming most satellite providers and matching many traditional broadband services. A major benefit is its unlimited data on most plans, unlike some competitors that impose data caps. However, premium business plans offer “priority data” with enhanced speeds up to a limit, after which users revert to standard unlimited service with reduced priority. Starlink is available in many countries, including the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Germany, France, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Italy, and Mexico, positively impacting both rural and urban areas. In Latin America, Chile was one of the first to access the service, while Norway and Sweden are among the latest in Scandinavia to benefit from it.