Starlink Satellite Internet

Syllabus: GS3/ Economy, S&T

In News

• Elon Musk-owned SpaceX has secured agreements with Airtel and Jio to distribute Starlink, its satellite internet service.
  • However, the final rollout is subject to regulatory approvals.

What is Satellite Internet?

• About: Satellite internet is a wireless communication technology that provides broadband services using satellites orbiting the Earth.
  • Unlike fiber-optic or mobile networks, which rely on ground infrastructure, satellite internet beams data from space-based satellites to user terminals on Earth.
• Types: Geostationary Orbit (GEO) Satellites (e.g., VSAT services)
  • Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellites (e.g., Starlink, OneWeb)
• Starlink is SpaceX’s satellite internet service that operates using a constellation of LEO satellites (over 7,000 satellites in orbit).

Benefits of Satellite Internet in India

• Bridging the Digital Divide: Provides high-speed internet in remote and rural areas, reducing urban-rural connectivity gaps.
  • Supports the Digital India initiative and enhances access to e-learning, telemedicine, and e-governance.
• Disaster-Resilient Communication: Unlike fiber-optic or mobile networks, satellite internet remains functional during natural disasters.
  • Turkey-Syria Earthquake (2023): After the devastating earthquake, Starlink provided emergency internet to aid workers in affected regions
• Boost to Defence & Strategic Communication: Provides secure, high-speed internet in border regions (e.g., Ladakh, Northeast, Andaman & Nicobar).
  • For example: Starlink played a crucial role in Ukraine’s defense strategy.
• Alternative to Traditional ISPs: Can increase competition in the broadband sector, leading to better services and lower costs. Offers an alternative for rural businesses, boosting economic activities in non-urban regions.
• Support for Emerging Technologies: Helps in the deployment of AI-driven smart agriculture and remote monitoring systems.

Challenges & Concerns

• Environmental Concerns: Starlink’s satellite re-entries release aluminium oxide particles, which could harm the ozone layer.
• Astronomical Interference: Geomagnetic storms or bright light emitted by thousands of LEO satellites could disrupt astronomical observations, affecting ground-based telescopes and space research.

Source: IE