Recent rumblings of a collaboration between BSNL and Starlink have generated a lot of interest amongst Indian telecom consumers. Inside draft suggests that Ministry Of Communications (MoC) has plans to license Starlink with a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellites (GMPCS) License. This license would help Starlink to begin its satellite-based internet services in India. With this technology, Indian consumers will also be able to purchase cheaper recharge plans with better coverage. This achievement would change the current status quo of the Indian telecom market where it will force the tough players in the market to adapt or die.
What is Starlink?
Starlink is a satellite constellation system aiming to provide the whole world with internet connection especially in sparsely populated as well as isolated places with scarce reliable internet connection.
Starlink is developed by SpaceX, a low earth orbit satellite network that aims to connect people across the globe through high speed internet. SpaceX, or Space Exploration Technologies Corp. as it’s also known as, is a private aerospace firm started by Elon Musk in 2002 with a clear vision of improving technology to expand humanity’s reach further across space and allow people to explore other planets.
How is the working mechanism of Starlink?
Starlink, SpaceX’s offering with the Global broadband Internet access, which allows for seamless communication between satellites and user terminals via a ground station, employs a low earth orbit satellite system. Starlink leverages such capabilities, enabling devices to connect back to the global network of users via a laser interlink mesh reached through satellites that defined the constellation orbit. A small dish connects the user with satellites orbiting the earth which facilitates easy access for high speed internet connection with low latency. This is particularly useful in regions that are geographically scattered or elsewhere that lack infrastructure.
Starlink, through its satellite network, has taken large steps in terms of international internet access, which is what drove space x to build the satellite in the first place. In its initial days, the company garnered a lot of attention because of the help Starlink provided to Ukraine in the form of satellite services, as the country was in the middle of conflict. Recently the company worked on connecting remote providers and establishing their satellite services in different areas of Indonesia in support of the government’s aim to enhance geographical issues in the health industry.
Starlink has indicated interest in penetrating the Indian market for the past few years however due to requirements set out by Indian providers regarding legal documents, Starlink was unable to do so. These obstacles have gotten in the way but the DOt now seems ready to grant Starlink with a GMPCS License which can allow its satellite communications in India finally putting an end to its stand still.
What to Expect
Starlink and BSNL are now launching a collaboration with target the extensive development of networks making extensive use of satellite technology and thus low reliance on physical construction. This should translate into cheaper recharges and data plan thus making it easier on consumers who have only recently experienced price hikes from alternative service providers Notably, reports indicate that Starlink ail comprise Tata Group plans on providing up to 300 Mbps which will significantly affect the usability of the internet. Starlink provides an easy access to internet use for video calls, browsing, game playing and almost any other activity which does not have the limitation of tower networks. Starlink’s efforts have had consequential effect on technology in the world. Such efforts have made it easy for the gap between millions of people and information and connectivity to be closed. Forging Connections.
Expectations The partnership between BSNL and Starlink integrates Starlink’s cutting-age satellite technologies into the Indian soil with the aims to provide better services in terms of budget and availability. So this measure cum project could probably change the status quo and supremacy of industry leaders such as Airtel and Jio, making them amend their strategy for competitiveness. This is likely to change the business picture of the telecom sector in India. Given that BSNL seems ready for a comeback, this partnership could change the game and the future of telecommunications industry in the country.
