Global satcom provider Starlink will need fresh approval from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) to offer its new technology services like direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity in India. D2D service allows satellites to directly communicate with devices like smartphones, IoT trackers and more. However, IN-SPACe had earlier rejected the Elon Musk-led company’s application for Gen 2 constellation, which would have allowed it to offer all its services, including D2D, Economic Times reported. The licence for Gen2 constellation was rejected as they operate on higher frequency bands, some of which are not permitted to operate in India, the report said, citing an official. IN-SPACe had earlier granted approval for only the Gen 1 constellation. It only offers traditional broadband services through 4,408 low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, that hover in altitudes ranging between 540-570 km and are capable of providing a 600 Gbps speed throughout the country. Another official was cited as saying that IN-SPACe is now ready to review the application for Gen 2 constellation once it is resubmitted, as D2D connectivity wasn’t popular when the request to launch had originally been made a few years ago. It is not clear yet if Starlink plans to apply for… Read MoreInc42 Media
