Meghalaya government has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Starlink India to expand satellite-based internet services. With this, Meghalaya became the 3rd Indian state after Maharashtra and Gujarat to partner with Starlink.
Letter of Intent (LoI) Objective:
- Focus on remote and hilly regions with poor connectivity
- Aims to enhance digital inclusion and rural connectivity
About Starlink
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation project launched in 2019 by SpaceX.
- Plans to deploy around 42,000 satellites
- Operates in Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
- LEO range: 160–2000 km above Earth
- Offers low latency and high-speed internet compared to traditional satellite systems
What is Satellite Internet?
Satellite internet provides connectivity through satellites placed in:
- Geostationary Orbit (GSO) (~35,786 km)
- Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) including LEO & MEO
Unlike fiber or cable networks, it does not rely on physical infrastructure, making it ideal for difficult terrains and remote areas.
Infrastructure Components
Satellite internet consists of three segments:
- Space Segment: Network of communication satellites
- Ground Segment: Control stations and gateways
- User Segment: Terminals used by end-users
Advantages of Satellite Internet
Global Reach: Connects remote and underserved regions
Rapid Deployment
- Requires only power and clear sky visibility
- Avoids costly infrastructure like cables
Disaster Resilience
- Ensures communication during natural disasters
- Acts as a backup when terrestrial networks fail
Regulatory Framework in India
Satellite internet services are regulated by multiple agencies:
- Department of Telecommunications: Grants licences under Unified Licence
- Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI): Recommends spectrum policies
- IN-SPACe: Promotes and authorises private space participation (est. 2020)