Key Points

Elon Musk’s Starlink has officially launched satellite internet services in Sri Lanka, marking its third South Asian market. The company is now closer to entering India after securing a key telecom license last month. Starlink’s network relies on over 6,750 satellites, offering high-speed internet even in remote regions. A final clearance from IN-SPACe will soon pave the way for its India rollout.

Key Points: Elon Musk's Starlink Launches in Sri Lanka Nears India Entry

  • Starlink expands to Sri Lanka after Bhutan and Bangladesh
  • India launch pending IN-SPACe approval
  • Over 6,750 satellites power global connectivity
  • Targets remote areas with fast, low-latency internet
2 min read

Elon Musk's Starlink launches satellite internet services in Sri Lanka, nearing India entry

Starlink expands in South Asia with Sri Lanka launch, inches closer to India debut after securing key telecom license.

"Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency internet is now available in Sri Lanka! – Starlink"

New Delhi, July 2

Starlink, the satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk, officially launched its services in Sri Lanka on Wednesday.

With this launch, Sri Lanka has become the third country in South Asia -- and another of India’s neighbours -- after Bhutan and Bangladesh to get access to Starlink’s internet services.

The announcement was made by Starlink on social media platform X, where the company said: "Starlink's high-speed, low-latency internet is now available in Sri Lanka!"

Starlink is getting closer to launching its services in India. Last month, the company received a key licence from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), nearly three years after it had first applied.

According to reports, Starlink may start providing services in India within the next two months.

The final step for Starlink to begin operations in India is a formal approval from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe).

The agency has already issued a draft letter of intent (LOI) to the company. Once both sides sign this document, Starlink will be officially cleared to roll out its services in the Indian market.

Starlink provides internet through a network of satellites orbiting Earth. The company currently operates the world’s largest constellation of satellites, with more than 6,750 in orbit.

According to the company, Starlink offers fast internet with low delay, making it suitable even for remote areas with limited connectivity.

In Asia, Starlink services are already available in several countries, including Mongolia, Japan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Jordan, Yemen, and Azerbaijan.

Globally, it serves users in over 100 countries, offering both residential and roaming internet plans.

The residential plans are usually offered in two categories: Residential Lite for smaller households with lower data needs, and Residential for larger families or heavier usage.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Why is Sri Lanka getting it before India? We're a much bigger market! Our bureaucracy moves at snail's pace while our neighbors leap ahead. Typical red tape problem 😒
A
Aryan P
Security concerns are valid though. We can't let foreign companies control our internet infrastructure completely. Hope the government has proper safeguards in place.
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Sarah B
As someone who works remotely from Himachal, this could be a game-changer! Current internet options here are unreliable during bad weather. Fingers crossed for quick rollout âš¡
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Vikram M
Competition is always good. Maybe this will force Jio and Airtel to improve their services and reduce prices. Monopoly isn't good for any market.
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Nisha Z
The environmental impact worries me. 6750 satellites already in orbit? What about space debris and light pollution for astronomers? We need sustainable solutions.

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