Starlink Elon Musk's satellite-based internet launch in India soon?
What is Starlink?
Starlink is a low-Earth satellite constellation that can provide broadband internet connection to even the remotest corners of the world. So far, about 1,000 satellites have been launched to provide the service. SpaceX is now working to expand its coverage with more satellites in the constellation and more ground stations. According to SpaceX, the speeds vary between 50 Mbps and 150 Mbps.
The satellite network operates at 550km above the Earth’s surface in low Earth orbit, unlike conventional internet satellites that are positioned much higher, at over 35,000km.
SpaceX’s first Starlink mission was launched on May 24, 2019, which carried 60 satellites. The company has approval to launch 12,000 Starlink satellites, and it has requested the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to approve launch of another 30,000 satellites.
Elon Musk’s plans for India?
Having achieved success in the venture so far, Musk now plans to disrupt the Indian telecom industry by stepping into the telecommunications sector with Starlink. The initial plan for SpaceX is to enter the Indian telecommunications industry with 100-Mbps satellite-based internet. SpaceX has stated that Starlink is now eyeing the $1 trillion market made up of in-flight internet, maritime services, demand in China and India.
SpaceX has suggested the Indian government to consider allowing satellite-based broadband technologies to operate in the country. Last year, in August, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) had issued a consultation paper on a roadmap to ‘Promote Broadband Connectivity and Enhanced Broadband’.
How Starlink is different
Thanks to resealable rockets, Starlink’s low-orbit satellites cost a fraction of the price of typical satellite launches, making it easier and more affordable to launch satellites at scale. By mid-2020, Starlink hit a steady stride, producing and launching around 120 satellites per month. Initially, the constellation is being built out more heavily in some areas, so service will be available in the northern United States and lower Canada first.
For now, Starlink service is designed for stationary use, But Elon Musk has said that eventually, he plans to make Starlink portable and usable in-motion, so customers can take their receiver anywhere and receive service.8 This would allow Starlink to provide internet service to individual customers in RVs, but also to trains, planes, buses, and ships.
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