Starlink to Launch Services in India After Five-Year Wait, Imposes Strict Data Storage Norms

After a lengthy wait of over five years, Starlink, a satellite communications provider, is finally set to launch its services in India. The company has been granted permission by the government to begin operations, with the stipulation that it must store all customer data within Indian borders. This move is a significant step towards providing high-speed internet connectivity to the country's remote areas. However, Starlink will have to adhere to strict norms, including a ban on storing customer data outside India, as per licensing requirements.

Key Takeaways:

• Starlink has been granted permission to operate in India after a five-year wait, with nine gateway earth stations to be deployed across the country.
• The company is allowed to import over 100 terminals and test its fixed satellites, subject to certain conditions.
• Starlink must store all customer data within Indian borders, in accordance with licensing norms.
• The company will use its Gen 1 constellation to provide services to Indian customers, with a capacity of 600 Gbps over the country.
• Other satellite communications companies, such as Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio-SES, are also vying to launch services in India.
• The government must clarify the allocation of spectrum for commercial services before Starlink's services can go live.

Statistics:

• 600 Gbps: the capacity of Starlink's Gen 1 constellation for providing services in India.
• 9: the number of gateway earth stations to be deployed by Starlink across India.
• 100: the number of terminals allowed to be imported by Starlink for testing and demonstration purposes.

Sources:

• ET report (date not specified)
• Global Data Point (2022)
• SyndiGate Media Inc. (date not specified)