Airtel and Jio team up with SpaceX to bring Starlink

Starlink is a mega-constellation of satellites being built and launched by SpaceX with goal of providing global internet access. Check all about Starlink Satellite Project, Advantages and Disadvantage

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Context: Recently Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio have signed separate agreements with SpaceX to bring Starlink internet services to India.

About Starlink Satellite Project

Aspect	Details
Launched	2019
What is Starlink Satellite Project?	It is a SpaceX project aimed at building a broadband network using a cluster of thousands of orbiting satellites.
Purpose	To build a broadband network providing satellite-based internet to the remotest corners of the world.
Method	Deployment of a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.
Altitude	Starlink satellites will be positioned in the altitude range of 350 km to 1,200 km within the LEO, which extends up to 2,000 km above Earth’s surface.

About Starlink

Starlink is a satellite-based internet service developed by SpaceX (founded by Elon Musk).
It uses a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites (orbiting at ~550 km) to deliver high-speed, low-latency broadband.
It supports high data-rate activities like streaming, gaming and video calls, making it popular in: Remote areas, Disaster zones & Locations with restricted internet access.
The project was launched in 2019 and aims to deploy 42,000 small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) (under 2,000 km altitude).
Currently, around 7,000 Starlink satellites are operational in space at an altitude of 547 km.

Advantages of Starlink Project

Reduced Latency: Due to the satellites being in LEO, there is a reduced latency between sender and receiver.
Accessibility: Capable of delivering internet to remote areas where traditional methods, like fibre-optic cables, have failed.

Disadvantages of Starlink

Space Debris: The simultaneous launch of thousands of new satellites will significantly increase the load on near-Earth space. Inevitably, some of these satellites will crash, contributing to the space debris population.
Risky Flights: Starlink has often been accused of conducting flights that come dangerously close to other satellites.
Interference with Observations: Astronomers worry that the size and scope of projects like Starlink will interfere with observations of the universe due to the bright, orbiting objects.
Climate Impact: The deorbiting of old satellites will burn a significant amount of metal in the Earth’s atmosphere, which could lead to unpredictability in the planet’s climate.

What is Satellite Internet?

It is a type of internet connection that uses satellites to provide broadband service.
This technology enables users to access the internet from virtually anywhere, particularly in remote or underserved areas where traditional terrestrial internet infrastructure is lacking.
It does not require cables, fibre or phone lines.
How Does Satellite Internet Work?
- User Device to Satellite: The user’s device sends signals to a Starlink satellite in space.
- Satellite to Ground Station: The satellite transmits the signal to a ground station, which is connected to the Internet.
- Data Retrieval and Transmission: The ground station retrieves requested data and sends it back via the satellite to the user’s dish.

Comparison with Geostationary Satellite Internet

Advantages of Geostationary Satellites:
- Better Coverage: Fewer satellites (approximately 3 or 4) are needed to cover the entire Earth.
- Stationary Appearance: Satellites appear stationary relative to Earth, simplifying linkage.
Disadvantages of Geostationary Satellites:
- High Latency: Due to their higher placement at 35,786 km above the Earth’s equator, they experience higher latency.

India and Space Internet

Indian Space Policy-2023

Allows non-government entities (NGEs) to provide national and international space-based communication services via self-owned, procured, or leased geostationary and non-geostationary satellite orbit systems.

GMPCS License Holders

Only two firms have a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licence from the Department of Telecommunications:
- Reliance Jio
- Bharti Airtel Ltd. in partnership with the United Kingdom government’s OneWeb, merged with the French firm Eutelsat.

How Does Starlink Control Access?

Signal Encryption: Prevents hacking or interception of satellite transmissions.
Geofencing: Terminals are geographically restricted to areas authorized for service.
- Eg. A Starlink device bought in the U.S. might not work in India unless its geographic location is reconfigured.

Challenges

Precise international border coverage is difficult due to:
- Contested borders.
- Satellites transmit across moving boundaries.
Devices purchased abroad may bypass restrictions if not regulated.

Starlink’s Regulatory Status in India

Unapproved Service: Starlink has not received regulatory approval in India under the Indian Wireless Act and Indian Telegraph Act.
Legislation: Section 6 of the Indian Wireless Act and Section 20 of the Indian Telegraph Act prohibit the use of satellite-based communication devices like Thuraya or Iridium phones without approval.
App Availability: Despite bans, the Starlink app is downloadable in India, unlike restricted apps like TikTok.

Why Are the Starlink Deals Significant for India?

Bridging the Digital Divide:
- India is the world’s second-largest Internet market, yet 670 million people (out of 1.4 billion) lack Internet access (as per a 2024 GSMA report).
Enhancing Nationwide Connectivity: Starlink can provide broadband in remote and underserved areas where fibre-optic or wireless networks are scarce.

Potential Economic and Social Impact

Supports digital inclusion by providing high-speed Internet in rural areas.
Boosts education, healthcare, and e-commerce in remote regions.
Enables better disaster response by ensuring uninterrupted connectivity in emergencies