🧵 What is Elon Musk's Starlink?
Why is it being used in Manipur, and off the coast of Andaman?
Does India allow private satellite communication?
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Why is it being used in Manipur, and off the coast of Andaman?
Does India allow private satellite communication?
🔖 Save for UPSC CSE 2025 x.com
What is STARLINK?
• Starlink, a project by SpaceX, aims to provide global broadband internet coverage through a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.
• Instead of relying on traditional ground-based infrastructure, Starlink uses thousands of small satellites in space to beam internet signals directly to user terminals.
• Starlink, a project by SpaceX, aims to provide global broadband internet coverage through a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.
• Instead of relying on traditional ground-based infrastructure, Starlink uses thousands of small satellites in space to beam internet signals directly to user terminals.
TECHNOLOGY BEHIND STARLINK
1️⃣ Satellite Constellation: Thousands of small, mass-produced satellites are placed in LEO, typically at altitudes between 550 and 1200 km. This allows for lower latency compared to geostationary satellites.
2️⃣ Inter-Satellite Communication: Starlink satellites communicate with each other via laser links, forming a mesh network in space. This enables efficient routing of data and reduces reliance on ground stations.
3️⃣ User Terminals: Users require a small dish antenna, often referred to as a "Dishy McFlatface," to connect to the Starlink network. The terminal automatically tracks and connects to the nearest satellite overhead.
4️⃣ Phased Array Antenna: The user terminal utilizes a phased array antenna to electronically steer the beam towards the satellite, ensuring a stable connection even as the satellites move across the sky.
1️⃣ Satellite Constellation: Thousands of small, mass-produced satellites are placed in LEO, typically at altitudes between 550 and 1200 km. This allows for lower latency compared to geostationary satellites.
2️⃣ Inter-Satellite Communication: Starlink satellites communicate with each other via laser links, forming a mesh network in space. This enables efficient routing of data and reduces reliance on ground stations.
3️⃣ User Terminals: Users require a small dish antenna, often referred to as a "Dishy McFlatface," to connect to the Starlink network. The terminal automatically tracks and connects to the nearest satellite overhead.
4️⃣ Phased Array Antenna: The user terminal utilizes a phased array antenna to electronically steer the beam towards the satellite, ensuring a stable connection even as the satellites move across the sky.
SATELLITE COMMUNICATION IN INDIA
India's stance on satellite communication is not a blanket ban but rather a REGULATED APPROACH.
While India utilizes satellites extensively for its own communication needs (INSAT and GSAT series), private satellite communication services have faced regulatory complexities.
1️⃣ Security Concerns:
• Historically, restrictions, particularly on satellite phones, have been linked to national security concerns, especially after terrorist attacks.
• These restrictions often involved requiring special permission from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) rather than outright prohibition.
2️⃣ Evolving Landscape:
• The Indian government is actively promoting the growth of the satellite communication sector, recognizing its potential to connect remote and underserved areas.
• Companies like Starlink, OneWeb, and Jio are seeking licenses to operate in India.
3️⃣ Regulatory Changes:
• The Telecommunications Act of 2023 aims to streamline spectrum allocation, prioritizing public interest.
• This signals a shift towards a more open satellite communication market.
• Policy adaptations are underway to accommodate non-geostationary satellite systems (NGSOs) like LEO and MEO constellations, paving the way for technologies like Starlink.
India's stance on satellite communication is not a blanket ban but rather a REGULATED APPROACH.
While India utilizes satellites extensively for its own communication needs (INSAT and GSAT series), private satellite communication services have faced regulatory complexities.
1️⃣ Security Concerns:
• Historically, restrictions, particularly on satellite phones, have been linked to national security concerns, especially after terrorist attacks.
• These restrictions often involved requiring special permission from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) rather than outright prohibition.
2️⃣ Evolving Landscape:
• The Indian government is actively promoting the growth of the satellite communication sector, recognizing its potential to connect remote and underserved areas.
• Companies like Starlink, OneWeb, and Jio are seeking licenses to operate in India.
3️⃣ Regulatory Changes:
• The Telecommunications Act of 2023 aims to streamline spectrum allocation, prioritizing public interest.
• This signals a shift towards a more open satellite communication market.
• Policy adaptations are underway to accommodate non-geostationary satellite systems (NGSOs) like LEO and MEO constellations, paving the way for technologies like Starlink.
Why is Starlink being used in Manipur, and off the coast of Andaman?
1️⃣ Illicit Activities:
The recent seizure of Starlink devices in connection with criminal activities, such as drug smuggling and possession of illegal weapons, raises concerns about their potential misuse.
(Manipur and off the coast of Andaman)
• The ability of Starlink to provide internet access in remote areas, beyond the reach of traditional networks, can be exploited by criminal organizations for communication and coordination.
2️⃣ Security Concerns:
• The use of unauthorized satellite communication equipment can pose a THREAT TO NATIONAL SECURITY, particularly in sensitive border regions.
• It can be used for activities that are difficult to monitor or intercept by law enforcement agencies.
3️⃣ Regulatory Violations:
• Operating Starlink devices without the necessary licenses and permits violates Indian telecommunications regulations.
• This undermines the government's control over spectrum allocation and service provision.
4️⃣ Lack of Oversight:
• The absence of official Starlink operations in India makes it challenging to track the devices, monitor their usage, and hold users accountable.
• This creates a regulatory gap that can be exploited for illegal purposes.
1️⃣ Illicit Activities:
The recent seizure of Starlink devices in connection with criminal activities, such as drug smuggling and possession of illegal weapons, raises concerns about their potential misuse.
(Manipur and off the coast of Andaman)
• The ability of Starlink to provide internet access in remote areas, beyond the reach of traditional networks, can be exploited by criminal organizations for communication and coordination.
2️⃣ Security Concerns:
• The use of unauthorized satellite communication equipment can pose a THREAT TO NATIONAL SECURITY, particularly in sensitive border regions.
• It can be used for activities that are difficult to monitor or intercept by law enforcement agencies.
3️⃣ Regulatory Violations:
• Operating Starlink devices without the necessary licenses and permits violates Indian telecommunications regulations.
• This undermines the government's control over spectrum allocation and service provision.
4️⃣ Lack of Oversight:
• The absence of official Starlink operations in India makes it challenging to track the devices, monitor their usage, and hold users accountable.
• This creates a regulatory gap that can be exploited for illegal purposes.
Elon Musk responded to allegations of Starlink's use in India via a post on X.
• He stated that Starlink's satellite beams were "turned off over India" and had "never been on in the first place."
• He emphasized that Starlink does not currently hold an operational license in India.
But on the contrary, STARLINK devices are available on Indian B2B sales platforms.
• He stated that Starlink's satellite beams were "turned off over India" and had "never been on in the first place."
• He emphasized that Starlink does not currently hold an operational license in India.
But on the contrary, STARLINK devices are available on Indian B2B sales platforms.
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