Elon Musk’s STARLINK would get approval from the INDIAN Government to start its operation soon by the end of this week which was reported by close official sources.
However, the government has yet to make an official response and on the other hand, JIO has announced its satellite broadband services to enter the market of satellite-based broadband services.
Given this the government is keen to provide the permission once STARLINK accepts the terms and conditions from the government side. By the end of this article, you will know everything about Satellite-based broadband services from its approval to benefits to the users.
Why There Is a Delay In Starlink Approval?:
STARLINK led by ELON MUSK to receive the approval for its satellite-based broadband services in INDIA once the company shares its shareholding pattern with the government. The Shareholding Pattern (Shareholding Pattern refers to the distribution of a company’s equity among different classes of shareholders which tells who owns how much of a company stock.) However, ET Telecom reported that STARLINK has already sent its share-holding pattern to the Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade (DPIIT) for approval.
The approval has been delayed since last year as the company denied sharing the shareholding pattern by saying it was the company’s private information. STARLINK has applied for approval of Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite Services in November 2022.
What Approval Starlink Need To Start Operation In India:
In the next few days or by the end of this month STARLINK may be issued with a Letter of Intent (LOI) by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). However, a Moneycontrol report stated that DoT may issue the LOI to STARLINK before Wednesday. Both ET and Moneycontrol stated that telecom secretory NEERAJ MITTAL and communications secretary ASHWINI VAISHNAV to approve by the end of next week.
Soon after approvals Starlink needs to get approvals from the Satellite Communications Wing (SCW) and Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe). INSPACe provides approval of space activities in India and once approval is provided SCW will give its support upon which DoT will allocate a spectrum to provide the service from STARLINK.
Benefits Of Satellite Broadband:
- High-quality broadband services to any geographical location – Users can receive data services to any location on Earth which have satellite coverage. Normal data services have low coverage and signals when it comes to rural and remote areas which can be overcome through satellite broadband services along with quality service in overcrowded locations.
- Maritime communications – Satellite-based broadband services can be used to navigate sea routes with the best accuracy in the transportation of logistics & travel along with Coast Guard services. Communications can be established between the sea routes.
- Environmental monitoring – The establishment of huge coverage for satellite broadband services can support monitoring the of forest fires, landslides, avalanches, declining wildlife populations, tropical storms and hurricanes by the government.
Disadvantage Of Satellite Broadband:
- High latency – Satellite broadband services usually have high latency that results in a delay of quick responses over internet services. The network providers need to be cautious about this as satellite services cost high than normal services which might result in a decline in the user base.
- High Cost – The cost of satellite services is high when compared to normal network services due to the maintenance of satellite services without interruption. This may result in a blockage of internet service on a sudden note when left with no priority maintenance of satellite equipment.
- Slow speeds – Although services can be provided to vast areas these satellite broadband services have low speeds. The company should efficiently manage speeds accordingly so that users might not get affected. Companies can increase the speed of services which comes with high prices along with data limits.
STARLINK is set to become the third company to receive the license after JIO and ONE WEB in India for launching satellite-based messaging, voice and broadband services for users.
As of now telecom secretary MITTAL is attending the PANIIT 2024 event in Washington DC and Minister Ashwini Vaishnawis in Davos for world economic form and who provide the LOI after their return to India.
STARLINK has taken advances from several internet users in India saying it is as advanced to provide Starlink services in India without any approval from the Indian government. The government responded as an unapproved act where the government would not be liable to anyone incase of loss of money.
Users demanded the company to refund the amount they paid and the company did the same. It is said that nearly 5000 users have been affected by this in 2021. However, there is no impact of these on the latest approvals from the government and asked to just share the details that might concern the nation in the future and users’ privacy.
Conclusion:
STARLINK has already started its services as “Direct-to-cell” in the US by sending 21 satellites into lower earth orbit through Falcon9 Spacecraft. This allowed users to experience seamless services in any geographical location.
The services include text, call, and data in any location. Now with the introduction of STARLINK services in India users can experience flawless broadband services in any geographical location with competition held between Starlink and Jio broadband services launching in 2024.
Geographical location can resemble any hilly location any area with low coverage or rural areas and even remote areas where no data services are available.
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