Elon Musk's Starlink Aims to Transform India's Internet Landscape

Elon Musk-led Starlink is on the brink of introducing a satellite connectivity service in India that could deliver a few terabytes per second of data throughput. With significant infrastructure already in place, the service is poised to commence immediately upon receiving the necessary regulatory approvals.

The anticipated satellite capacity offered by Starlink is set to be substantially higher, approximately 80-90 times more than its competitors, Eutelsat OneWeb or Reliance Jio-SES, which currently offer between 30-50 gigabits per second (Gbps). This development could significantly enhance internet access across India, the world's second-largest telecommunications market.

Starlink's ambitious plan includes establishing three gateways across India - in Mumbai, Pune, and Indore - alongside a point of presence in Mumbai. These gateways will serve as crucial intermediaries between satellites and terrestrial communication networks, facilitating seamless data transmission.

Currently, India's satellite connectivity is provided by non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellites, offering approximately 70 Gbps capacity, and geostationary orbit (GSO) satellites, providing about 58 Gbps. However, the demand for satellite bandwidth in India is growing, necessitating a significant expansion in capacity to meet future needs.

With its first-generation satellites numbering approximately 4,400 and plans to expand its second-generation satellite constellation to 30,000 units, Starlink is well-positioned to meet this demand. The company has also committed to establishing a network control and monitoring centre within India, ensuring data security and compliance with local regulations.

As the Indian space sector is projected to reach $44 billion by 2033, increasing its global market share from 2% to 8%, Starlink's entry could not be more timely. The company's innovative approach to satellite internet could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of connectivity in India and beyond.