Starlink’s Satellite Capacity to Outshine Competitors by 80-90 Times

Starlink’s Potential Impact in India

Elon Musk’s Starlink, with its satellite connectivity, could bring a massive data throughput of several terabytes per second to India. With substantial infrastructure already in place, the service can start immediately after receiving regulatory approvals.

Starlink’s Superior Satellite Capacity

Starlink is expected to offer a satellite capacity that is 80-90 times greater than its competitors, such as Eutelsat OneWeb or Reliance Jio-SES, which provide 30-50 gigabits per second (Gbps).

Regulatory Approvals and Commercial Operations

• Starlink is waiting for government and regulatory approvals to begin commercial operations in India’s telecommunications market.
• Experts predict that once Starlink receives all regulatory approvals, it will be able to serve both retail and enterprise customers across India with ample capacity.
• Eutelsat-OneWeb and Jio-SES have obtained all necessary regulatory permissions and are waiting for spectrum allocation, while Starlink is still seeking approval from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe).

Starlink’s Infrastructure Plans in India

Starlink, led by Elon Musk, plans to set up three gateways in India – in Mumbai, Pune, and Indore – along with a point of presence in Mumbai to cater to the Indian market.

Satellite Bandwidth Requirements in India

To support the growth of satellite communication (satcom) in India, there is a need to significantly increase satellite bandwidth. Currently, India’s non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellites provide approximately 70 Gbps capacity, while geostationary orbit (GSO) satellites offer about 58 Gbps.

Collaborations and Partnerships

• Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel have partnered with Starlink for the retail distribution of its equipment and services.
• Eutelsat-OneWeb has established gateway facilities in Mehsana, Gujarat, and Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu.
• Jio-SES plans to operate 11 medium earth orbit satellites, with 6 already in orbit, and intends to establish gateways in Kadapa (Andhra Pradesh) and Nagpur.

Starlink’s Global Presence

Starlink provides satellite communication services worldwide using its first-generation satellites, numbering around 4,400, and second-generation satellites, with over 2,500 deployments. The American company has informed the government of its plans to expand its second-generation satellite constellation to 30,000 units in the coming years.

Regulatory Clearances and Service Capability

Starlink’s service capability for India will become operational once regulatory clearances are obtained. The company has completed its documentation submission to In-SPACe and is expecting approval soon.