Renowned entrepreneur and visionary CEO, Elon Musk, recently expressed his deep admiration for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his unwavering commitment to India’s progress.
During their meeting in New York, Musk praised Modi for his proactive approach in supporting new companies and ensuring their positive contribution to the nation.
In a subsequent media interaction, Musk shared his excitement about introducing SpaceX’s groundbreaking satellite internet constellation, Starlink, to India. He highlighted the immense value of Starlink in providing reliable and high-speed internet access to remote and underserved areas across the country.
Starlink, a pioneering project led by SpaceX, aims to establish a global broadband network using thousands of small satellites working in tandem at low Earth orbits.
This innovative approach enables Starlink to deliver fast and dependable internet services, bridging the connectivity gap in regions with limited or no access to traditional terrestrial infrastructure.
Currently operational in over 56 countries, Starlink has already garnered a substantial subscriber base. SpaceX initiated satellite deployments in 2019 and now boasts over 4,000 satellites in low Earth orbit, enabling seamless communication with designated ground transceivers. The project envisions a total deployment of nearly 12,000 satellites, with future expansion possibilities reaching 42,000. By December 2022, Starlink had surpassed one million subscribers, a number that grew to 1.5 million by May 2023.
According to a report by Deloitte India, the satellite broadband service market in India is projected to reach a value of $1.9 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 36 percent.
The report also notes that India currently accounts for 3 percent of the global satellite internet market, which was valued at $3 billion in 2022.
In terms of regulatory landscape, various entities in India have acquired Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licenses for different satellite services. OneWeb (backed by Bharti), Reliance Jio, and Luxembourg’s SES hold GMPCS licenses for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite services.
Additionally, Inmarsat and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) possess Inflight and Maritime Communications (IFMC) licenses, enabling them to provide communication services in the aviation and maritime sectors. Reliance Jio and SES have secured GMPCS licenses for Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) and Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellite services, respectively.
Apart from Starlink, Musk also shared his aspirations to invest in India and introduce Tesla, the renowned electric carmaker, to the country as soon as possible. Over the years, Musk has expressed his interest in bringing Tesla to India, initially setting a target for 2021. However, he has been cautious about committing to large-scale investments until significant incentives are offered by the Indian government.
As the discussions progress, Elon Musk’s interest in India goes beyond mere business expansion. His admiration for Prime Minister Modi and his emphasis on making significant investments in the country reflect his commitment to India’s potential and technological advancement.
With Tesla and Starlink on the horizon, the Indian market eagerly awaits the positive impact of Musk’s ventures on the nation’s growth and connectivity.
