Starlink's new move: satellites to connect directly to phones! Seeks approval from India again..

The entry of Elon Musk's satellite internet service, Starlink, into India has been long-awaited, and the company has now taken a significant new step in this direction. According to reports, Starlink has sought fresh approval from IN-SPACe for approximately 30,000 satellites in India. A key feature of the proposed network is 'Direct-to-Device' technology, which would allow compatible phones to connect directly to satellites, potentially reducing reliance on traditional mobile towers.

**Starlink Seeks Approval Again**
The launch of Starlink's service in India has been anticipated for quite some time. While operations were initially expected to commence in the third quarter of 2025, the service has not yet launched. In the interim, the company did take steps regarding setting up offices and hiring personnel in India. Now, reports indicate that Starlink has submitted a new application to the Indian space regulator, IN-SPACe, to deploy around 30,000 satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). This proposal incorporates Direct-to-Device technology.

**Phones to Connect Directly to Satellites**
The standout feature of this proposal is the Direct-to-Device technology. This enables compatible smartphones to connect directly to satellites without relying on traditional mobile towers. According to reports, the new application outlines plans to deploy satellites into orbits at altitudes of 340 km and 615 km above Earth. While Starlink has sought approval for over 30,000 satellites, SpaceX's broader 'Gen 2' network plan envisions a total of approximately 42,000 satellites. With this technology, Starlink could face direct competition from companies like Reliance Jio and Amazon's Project Kuiper (LEO).

**Musk Confirms the Application**
News of Starlink's new proposal for India first emerged in a report by *The Economic Times*, and Elon Musk subsequently confirmed the development. Musk did not make an official post himself; instead, he reshared a post from the 'DogeDesigner' account on X that detailed Starlink's new application for direct-to-device connectivity in India. However, Starlink's previous proposal had not received approval from the Indian government, and Indian officials are currently reviewing the latest application. Details regarding the service's pricing, plans, and launch timeline are not yet available.

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