SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has now indicated intention to implement his satellite-based internet provider Starlink to the country. Following the regulatory approval of Tesla in India, he stated in a tweet that SpaceX is analyzing India’s regulatory clearance for this.
Responding to a tweet, Musk stated that the firm is studying how the country’s regulatory clearance procedure would operate for Starlink. “I’m just trying to figure out the regulatory approval process,” he stated.
Just figuring out the regulatory approval process
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 31, 2021
SpaceX launched satellite launches in November 2019 and, around a year later, unveiled its $99 per month beta programme for select users. The business plans to bring around 30,000 Starlink satellites into orbit and grow its user base to millions of consumers. The programme is now active in 14 countries, including Australia, Chile, Portugal, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.
Since then, SpaceX has launched over 1,700 satellites and, in addition to the 100,000 delivered terminals, has received over 500,000 new bookings for the service, according to TechCrunch. Many of Starlink’s beta clients reside in distant or rural regions with limited or no access to normal broadband. Customers pay $499 for the service up front, which includes a beginning package that comprises a user terminal dubbed “Dishy McFlatface,” a WiFi router, a power supply, wires, and a mounting tripod.
Since this service is still in beta mode, internet connection speeds range from 50 Mbps to 150 Mbps, with latency ranging from 20ms to 40ms in most areas. The website also stated that users may experience occasional periods of no internet connectivity. Starlink further stated that when more satellites are launched, more ground stations are installed, and networking software is improved, internet speed, latency, and uptime would improve ‘dramatically.’
Musk, who has 59.6 million followers on Twitter, caused quite a stir in July when he stated that India’s import taxes are the highest in the world. Musk was responding to an Indian youtuber who had inquired whether Tesla will formally debut in India at the time. Bhavish Aggarwal, the founder of cab-hailing company Ola, who now runs Ola electric, disagreed with Musk and stated that India should manufacture electric vehicles in-house.
Along with the four new models sanctioned by the Indian government, Elon intends to deploy around 30,000 Starlink satellites into orbit and extend its user pool to millions of consumers.
