SpaceX Starlink opens Indian subsidiary company, plans to launch 2 lakh terminals by 2022

SpaceX, the American aerospace manufacturer, has announced the registration and opening of their India-based subsidiary of Starlink satellite-based internet company. Starlink also revealed their plans to launch nearly 2 lakh active user terminals by the end of 2022 to start operations.

The objective of Starlink is to provide secure, low-latency, and reliable internet services with its network of low-earth orbit satellites. As of May 2021, the company had 1500 satellites in low-earth orbit and has integrated their services with Google Data centers.

In India, there is a clear need for reliable internet connectivity, especially in rural and difficult-to-reach locations. To open operations in India, Starlink has registered a subsidiary called Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited. The Country Director for this subsidiary is Sanjay Bhargava, who was previously a PayPal executive.

The company plans to aggressively expand in India, with a goal to offer 2 lakh active terminals in over 1.6 lakh districts across the country by December 2022. This is based on getting Government approvals however, which is still pending.

In a LinkedIn post, Sanjay Bhargava, Starlink Country Director India at SpaceX said:

Pleased to share that SpaceX now has a 100% owned subsidiary in India. The name is SSCPL – Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited and the incorporation date is Nov 1, 2021. Happy Birthday, SSCPL. We can now start applying for licenses, open bank accounts etc.

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