In News:

• The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has granted a licence to Elon Musk’s Starlink to provide satellite-based internet services in India.
• Starlink becomes the third company, after Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio Satellite Communications, to receive such approval. A fourth contender, Amazon’s Kuiper, is still awaiting clearance.

What is Starlink?

• Developer: Starlink is a satellite internet system by SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk in 2002.
• Objective: Deliver high-speed, low-latency broadband globally, especially targeting rural and remote areas with limited connectivity.
• Technology:
  • Operates a constellation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites (~550 km altitude).
  • Satellites communicate via laser links for inter-satellite data relay, forming a global mesh.
  • Ground stations transmit data to satellites, which then beam it to user terminals.

Key Features of Starlink

• Speed: Up to 150 Mbps, with future plans to increase it.
• Latency: As low as 20–25 milliseconds — ideal for video calls and streaming.
• Tech Stack:
  • Flat-panel antennas for easy user access.
  • Argon-powered ion thrusters for satellite positioning.
  • Space lasers for fast inter-satellite communication.
• Deployment: Satellites launched via Falcon 9 rockets with regular updates.
• Scale: Plans to deploy up to 42,000 satellites globally.

Significance for India

• Bridging the Digital Divide: Ensures internet access in rural, remote, and disaster-prone regions.
• Reduced Infrastructure Dependency: Less reliance on fibre optics and mobile towers in hard-to-reach areas.
• Boost to Digital Economy: Enhances competition in India’s broadband sector, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
• Security Compliance: Starlink must adhere to India’s security norms, including lawful interception requirements, before commercial rollout.
• Next Steps: Will receive trial spectrum within 15–20 days post-application.