Elon Musk’s SpaceX venture, Starlink, is close to revolutionizing India’s internet connectivity. After being delayed for almost a year due to security concerns, there seems to be hope on the horizon. According to a report from the Times of India, a high-profile meeting later this month will discuss Starlink’s bid for a global mobile personal communications satellite (GMPCS) services license. While there is optimism for approval, potential obstacles are still a possibility.

Even if Starlink obtains the license, there are further requirements they must meet. They need approval from various governmental departments, including the space department. In contrast, competitors like OneWeb, owned by Sunil Mittal, and Jio, owned by Mukesh Ambani, have already secured their GMPCS licenses. Jeff Bezos’ ‘Project Kuiper’ is also yet to enter the Indian market.

In 2021, Starlink experienced a setback in India. They began collecting advance payments without a license, resulting in a stern warning and the need to issue refunds. However, despite this misstep, there are already over 5,000 pre-orders for Starlink in India, indicating a readiness to embrace the service.

So, how does Starlink work? Imagine a vast network of thousands of satellites orbiting the Earth, ensuring global coverage of high-speed internet. That’s exactly what Starlink aims to achieve. Currently, there are 4,519 satellites deployed, with 4,487 actively providing data connectivity, as observed by Astronomer Jonathan McDowell.

Starlink’s potential entry into India’s internet market promises to bring enhanced connectivity to even remote areas. With the increasing demand for reliable and fast internet services, Starlink’s presence could transform the country’s internet landscape.