Starlink by Elon Musk Set to Offer Satellite Broadband in India

India may finally experience the advantages of Elon Musk’s Starlink after a long wait. The satellite network, led by the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has successfully brought internet access to even the most isolated regions globally. It has proven particularly beneficial in providing wireless internet connectivity to remote areas, conflict zones, and disaster-stricken locations. Although Starlink is currently accessible in approximately 32 countries, users in India have been unable to access its services, despite ongoing discussions between Musk and the Indian government.

Now, if the latest report is to be believed, Starlink could soon offer broadband services in India.

Starlink in India

According to a New Indian Express report, officials close to the matter revealed that Department of Telecommunications (DoT) officials will meet on September 22 to discuss whether to grant SpaceX’s satellite internet service a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) license. which it had applied for last year. This license allows companies to provide satellite communications services in licensed areas.

So far, only Bharti Airtel in partnership with OneWeb has received this, although it was reported last year that Jio-owned Jio Space Technology had also acquired a GMPCS license. The next move involves acquiring orbital spectrum from the DoT.

Starlink has been trying to enter the Indian market for a long time. The company even started taking advance orders in 2021 without a license after the DoT warned it to refrain from doing so, after which it issued refunds to people. When you search for Starlink availability in India on its website. it says “Starlink is not available in your region,” adding that the company is still awaiting regulatory approval.

Hacking OTT apps

According to the report, the official also stated that OTT applications should be brought under the license rules. This is due to user safety and license fees. “If these OTT players are under the licensing regime, they are bound to follow the government’s directives. In cases like Nuhi or Manipur, we could have directed these apps to end their services without having to shut down entire internet services,” said an unnamed official.