(Image source from: Outlookbusiness.com)
Starlink is a major initiative led by Elon Musk. His aerospace company, SpaceX, provides internet access through a worldwide network of satellites. As Musk aims to introduce Starlink in India, SpaceX has been given the go-ahead to increase its satellites. The US Federal Communications Commission, known as the FCC, has agreed to SpaceX's plan to launch 7,500 more second-generation satellites. This will raise the total number of Starlink satellites approved to 15,000, even though only 15,000 of the originally suggested 30,000 received approval. This important advancement is anticipated to improve internet services around the globe, offering next-level connectivity and aiding areas that have faced challenges with unreliable or costly broadband services.
The FCC's approval not only enhances the satellite count but also enables SpaceX to function on five different frequencies and removes previous technical limits. FCC Chair Brendan Carr stated, "This FCC approval is revolutionary for promoting new-generation services. " By allowing 15,000 new advanced satellites, the FCC has permitted SpaceX to provide exceptional satellite broadband services, enhance competition, and ensure no community is overlooked. Nonetheless, the FCC requires that SpaceX must have half of the newly approved second-generation satellites operating by December 2028, and the rest must be launched by December 2031.
Starlink comprises a network of satellites orbiting close to the earth. These satellites communicate with one another to send signals over large distances, enabling quick internet access. With the addition of 7,500 satellites, Starlink’s connectivity will see a significant increase, which could be helpful when the service begins in India. Musk and the senior team at Starlink have already engaged in discussions with officials from the Indian government to obtain necessary permissions before starting the service in the country. However, Musk has previously mentioned that Starlink is more appropriate for rural areas instead of busy urban environments. He noted, "Physics does not favor us here. Therefore, it is not physically feasible for Starlink to serve tightly populated cities. " The company aims to target regions with poor connectivity, where standard infrastructure is lacking, and satellite internet can greatly help. Since Starlink has limited bandwidth available for each area, having many users in the same location will reduce network speeds.
