10th June 2025 (10 Topics)

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Starlink Secures GMPCS Licence

Context

Starlink, operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has officially secured the Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licence from the Indian government in June 2025. This regulatory clearance enables it to commence commercial satellite-based internet services across India, marking a significant shift in the country's digital communication landscape.

What is Starlink?

Starlink is a satellite-based internet service provider operated by SpaceX, utilizing a constellation of over 7,600 small satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
It offers high-speed, low-latency broadband globally, including remote and rural areas with limited access to conventional broadband.

What is GMPCS?

The Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licence is issued by India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
It allows satellite companies to offer voice and data services through non-terrestrial networks such as satellites.

Implications for India:

Digital Inclusion: Starlink can bridge the rural-urban digital divide by providing internet access to remote regions where fibre or tower infrastructure is unviable.
Competition: Poses a competitive challenge to domestic players like Bharti Airtel (OneWeb) and Reliance Jio (Jio Satellite).
Tech Sovereignty Concerns: Starlink’s entry raises strategic questions about data privacy, licensing norms, and national security.
Innovation in Delivery: Encourages satellite-based internet as an emerging mode of digital infrastructure in India’s Digital India mission.

Regulatory Path Ahead:

Starlink still requires spectrum allocation from India’s telecom regulator and must comply with local laws, including data localisation and security protocols.
Coordination with ISRO and Indian space policy may be required to avoid orbital congestion and signal interference.

PYQ:

Q. With reference to communication technologies, what is/are the difference/differences between LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and VoLTE (Voice over LTE)? (2020)

LTE is commonly marketed as 3G, and VoLTE is commonly marketed as advanced 3G.
LTE is data-only technology and VoLTE is voice-only technology.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2

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GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs