<ul><li>Sanjav Bhargava, <keyword id="11090695" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="starlink-india" source="Orion">Starlink India</keyword>’s country director and chairman of the board, has stepped down in just three months since his appointment. </li><li>Bhargava cited personal reasons for the resignation, but this comes after the company was ordered by the government to refund customers who had placed pre-orders. </li><li>Earlier, the government had issued an advisory cautioning people from subscribing to <keyword id="7612156" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="starlink" source="Orion">Starlink</keyword>’s services as it had not received a licence yet to commence operations. </li></ul><keyword id="6355315" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="elon-musk" source="Orion">Elon Musk</keyword>’s <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/elon-musks-starlink-satellite-internet-is-coming-to-india-heres-how-you-can-pre-book-your-connection/articleshow/81268052.cms">Starlink satellite internet service</a> has faced its first setback in India even before the commercial launch – the company’s country director and chairman of the board, <keyword id="264359" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sanjay-bhargava" source="Orion">Sanjay Bhargava</keyword>, has stepped down citing personal reasons. “I have stepped down as Country Director and Chairman of the Board of Starlink India for personal reasons. My last working day was December 31, 2021,” Bhargava wrote on his LinkedIn page, appealing for his privacy. It’s not clear what triggered Bhargava’s resignation, but this comes after the Indian government ordered the company to refund all pre-orders until it receives a licence to operate in the country. Bhargava joined Starlink in October. He was one of the “founding employees” of PayPal, a company co-founded by Elon Musk. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Government had advised against subscribing to Starlink services" comment="subhead" text="Government had advised against subscribing to Starlink services">Government had advised against subscribing to Starlink services</cmsannotation> Earlier in December, the Indian government issued an advisory stating that Starlink had not obtained any license or authorisation required to operate its satellite internet services in the country. “The Government has asked the company to comply with the Indian regulatory framework for rendering the satellite-based communication services and refrain from booking/rendering the satellite internet services in India with immediate effect,” noted the advisory issued by the government. “Given the fact that Starlink is not a licensee, the public is advised not to subscribe to Starlink services being advertised,” the government added further, cautioning the subscribers of Starlink and the public at large. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Bhargava’s goal was to have 2 lakh connections in India by 2022 end" comment="subhead" text="Bhargava’s goal was to have 2 lakh connections in India by 2022 end">Bhargava’s goal was to have 2 lakh connections in India by 2022 end</cmsannotation> Exactly one year from now, by the end of 2022, Bhargava’s <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sanjaybhargava_catalysing-rural-development-v1mp4-activity-6859873318200201216-HHWI/">goal</a> was to have 2 lakh connections in India, spread across 1.6 lakh rural districts of the country. But here’s the kicker – Starlink’s user terminal, which is required to connect to the company’s satellites, costs $499 each (approx. ₹37,000). This is on top of the $99 a month (approx. ₹7,400) subscription charge, which is extremely expensive no matter what plan you consider, especially for a country like India. Starlink’s recorded top speed is a little over 200Mbps, according to a <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Starlink/comments/i9w09n/list_of_confirmed_starlink_speed_tests/">list</a> of test results recorded so far. For context, 200Mbps plans from popular broadband providers like <keyword id="3690255" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="jiofiber" source="Orion">JioFiber</keyword>, <keyword id="2730108" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="act-fibernet" source="Orion">ACT Fibernet</keyword> and <keyword id="15491" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="airtel" source="Orion">Airtel</keyword> start at ₹999 per month. These providers also offer 1Gbps plans starting at ₹3,999 per month, which is still considerably lower than Starlink’s subscription plan. Admittedly, satellite internet is fundamentally different from wired broadband, but the massive price difference, combined with the widespread availability of 4G services across the country, might have made Starlink a non-starter for most Indian users. Bhargava’s goal of 2 lakh connections in India by the end of 2022 might have been too far-fetched to begin with, especially without any tweaks in the prices of the $499 kit or the $99 a month plan. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/elon-musk-owned-starlink-forms-subsidiary-in-india-will-soon-apply-for-licenses/articleshow/87480590.cms">Elon Musk-owned Starlink forms subsidiary in India, will soon apply for licenses</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/scientists-piggybacking-on-starlink-satellites-to-break-free-from-gps-dependence/articleshow/86607657.cms">Scientists are piggybacking on internet satellites to break free from GPS dependence</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/elon-musks-starlink-satellite-internet-is-coming-to-india-heres-how-you-can-pre-book-your-connection/articleshow/81268052.cms">Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet is coming to India – here's how you can pre-book your connection</a>

Elon Musk’s Starlink faces its first setback in India even before launch

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="11908743" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="spacex" source="Orion">SpaceX</keyword> is giving refunds to customers in <keyword id="11892747" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword> who have preordered the <keyword id="11897866" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="starlink" source="Orion">Starlink</keyword> <keyword id="11897865" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="internet" source="Orion">internet</keyword> service.</li><li>Elon Musk's company said in an email that the Indian <keyword id="11909003" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="government" source="Orion">government</keyword> has directed it to refund preorders.</li></ul>SpaceX has offered refunds for preorders of its Starlink <keyword id="12460190" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="satellite-internet" source="Orion">satellite internet</keyword> service in India following government orders, <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2022/01/04/spacex-starlink-to-refund-india-government-order/">TechCrunch</a> first reported.Some customers in India who paid a $100 deposit to secure Starlink received an email from SpaceX — screenshotted and <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Starlink/comments/rvttfq/welp_i_guess_ill_lower_my_expectations_here_in/">posted</a> on the SpaceX Starlink Reddit community — which said they could get their money back.SpaceX wrote in the email that the company doesn't know the "timeline for receiving licenses to operate" and there are issues with licensing, which allows Starlink to operate in India."Until that time, we have been directed by India's Department of Telecommunications to refund pre-orders until we are licensed," SpaceX said in the email.Elon Musk's company told <keyword id="12887342" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="preorder" source="Orion">preorder</keyword> customers they can receive a refund "at any time" and listed steps on how to get their money back.SpaceX didn't immediately respond to Insider's request for comment made outside US operating hours.Indian lawmakers previously said that SpaceX's <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/spacex-starlink-india-no-licence-operate-government-2021-11?r=US&amp;IR=T">Starlink had no licence to operate in the country</a>, according to a <a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1775425">statement</a> posted on a government website in November.SpaceX's email about refunds comes as Sanjay Bhargava, Starlink's lead executive in India, resigned "for personal reasons," he wrote in a <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sanjaybhargava_i-have-stepped-down-as-country-director-and-activity-6884147465772244992-2VLx/">LinkedIn post</a> on Tuesday.Starlink said in a company presentation shared by Bhargava <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sanjaybhargava_catalysing-rural-development-v1mp4-activity-6859873318200201216-HHWI/">on LinkedIn</a> that the company is looking to deploy <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/spacex-starlink-plans-rollout-200k-user-terminals-india-asia-expansion-2021-11?r=US&amp;IR=T">200,000 user terminals in India</a> by December 2022.<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/spacex-starlink-delays-customer-internet-orders-apologizes-silicon-shortages-dishes-2021-11">Insider previously reported</a> that SpaceX has apologized for delays in sending out Starlink internet kits preordered by customers, blamed the waits on silicon shortages.

SpaceX is refunding Starlink preorders in India after the government ordered it to stop selling the internet service without a license

Stuck over necessary permission required to offer its services in India, Elon Musk's <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/spacex-is-refunding-starlink-preorders-in-india-after-the-government-ordered-it-to-stop-selling-the-internet-service-without-a-license/articleshow/88712439.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Starlink</a>, the satellite internet division of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/spacex-has-an-ambitious-target-of-52-missions-in-2022/articleshow/89171460.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">SpaceX</a>, has been granted the right to operate in Brazil. Brazil's National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) allowed <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/elon-musks-tesla-lost-109-bn-in-single-day-amid-weak-outlook-for-2022/articleshow/89237952.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Musk </a>to enter the country, saying that the consumers will be able to get access to the satellite-based broadband through companies buying capacity from the satellite network, or if existing sector players obtain an authorisation to operate. "It is in the company's interest to provide internet access to customers throughout the Brazilian territory, which will certainly be very opportune for schools, hospitals and other establishments located in rural and remote areas", said Emmanoel Campelo, Anatel's interim President. In India, the government had told <keyword id="7612156" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="starlink" source="Orion">Starlink</keyword> to stop "booking/rendering the satellite internet service" in the country without a licence. Sanjay Bhargava, India Director for Starlink, stepped down earlier last month amid the government pressure. The Elon Musk-owned company also informed some individuals in the country that it will refund their pre-orders. According to Musk, there are now 1,469 Starlink satellites active, with 272 "moving to operational orbits currently". A recent report said that the satellite internet division of SpaceX now has more than 1,45,000 users across 25 countries globally. Until November 2021, SpaceX had added roughly 11,000 users per month since beginning service in October 2020. Musk at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) conference last year said Starlink should have roughly 500,000 users within the next 12 months. He said Starlink is already running in 12 countries and expanding.

Musk's Starlink gets approval to operate in Brazil as it waits for licence in India

Elon Musk-owned satellite company <keyword id="7612156" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="starlink" source="Orion">Starlink</keyword> has registered its business in India and it is in process to apply for licenses in the country, according to Sanjay Bhargava, India director for Starlink. The company's affordable satellite broadband services are being targeted in India in 2022, although its availability is subject to regulatory approvals. "Pleased to share that SpaceX now has a 100 per cent owned subsidiary in India. The name is SSCPL -- Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited and the incorporation date is November 1, 2021. We can now start applying for licenses, open bank accounts etc," Bhargava said in a LinkedIn post. Earlier this month, Starlink announced that it will focus on 10 rural Lok Sabha constituencies to provide internet services. "I am also keen to have 30-minute virtual conversations with MPs, Ministers, Secretaries to GOI, or Principal Secretaries to states to see if they think 100 per cent broadband would help improve lives," Bhargava had said. "We will probably focus on 10 rural Lok Sabha constituencies for 80 per cent of the Starlink terminals shipped to India. The number of preorders from rural constituencies will be one factor that helps us select focus constituencies," he added. Starlink shipped 100,000 terminals to customers recently. The project aims to provide global broadband connectivity via a constellation of satellites. SpaceX began satellite launches in November 2019 and opened its $99 per month beta programme for select customers around a year later. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international/news/elon-musk-is-ready-to-spend-6-billion-to-end-world-hunger-asks-un-to-provide-a-plan/articleshow/87455987.cms">Elon Musk is ready to spend $6 billion to end world hunger, asks UN to provide a plan</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international/news/elon-musk-is-now-3-times-richer-than-warren-buffet-and-worth-more-than-the-entire-gdp-of-his-home-country-of-south-africa/articleshow/87478089.cms">Elon Musk is now 3 times richer than Warren Buffet, and worth more than the entire GDP of his home country of South Africa</a>

Elon Musk-owned Starlink forms subsidiary in India, will soon apply for licenses

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The Indian government has said <keyword id="11908743" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="spacex" source="Orion">SpaceX</keyword>'s <keyword id="11897866" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="starlink" source="Orion">Starlink</keyword> has no license to operate in the country.</li><li>Despite this, Starlink is taking pre-bookings for its satellite-internet service, <a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1775425">per officials</a>.</li></ul>Indian lawmakers said <keyword id="11897862" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="elon-musk" source="Orion">Elon Musk</keyword>'s Starlink <keyword id="11897865" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="internet" source="Orion">internet</keyword> service has no licence to operate in the country, despite taking pre-bookings from customers.<a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1775425">A statement posted </a>on a government website urged the company to fully comply with government regulations.<a href="https://www.reuters.com/technology/india-tells-public-shun-musk-backed-starlink-until-it-gets-licence-2021-11-27/">Reuters</a> and local outlets in <keyword id="11892747" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword> first reported on the <keyword id="11893589" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="news" source="Orion">news</keyword>. The statement said: "Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, Government of India has pointed out that 'Starlink Internet Services' is not licensed to offer satellite-based internet services in India being advertised to the public."It added: "It is hereby informed to the public at large that the said company has not obtained any license/authorization for rendering satellite-based internet services that are being booked on their website."SpaceX, of which Starlink is a subsidiary, did not immediately reply to Insider's request for comment. However, it told Reuters that it had "no comment for now" on the situation. Insider's Kate Duffy<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/spacex-starlink-plans-rollout-200k-user-terminals-india-asia-expansion-2021-11"> reported earlier this month</a> that Starlink is looking to deploy 200,000 user terminals in India by December 2022. The country's director for Starlink <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6860904766105505792/?src=aff-lilpar&amp;veh=aff_src.aff-lilpar_c.partners_pkw.10078_plc.Skimbit%20Ltd._pcrid.449670_learning&amp;trk=aff_src.aff-lilpar_c.partners_pkw.10078_plc.Skimbit%20Ltd._pcrid.449670_learning&amp;clickid=XlnyTu24fxyITyfwvm3qMxrPUkG2sbXAPwyETA0&amp;mcid=6851962469594763264&amp;irgwc=1">wrote in a LinkedIn post</a> that he was "pleased to share that SpaceX now has a 100% owned subsidiary in India."Meanwhile,<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/spacex-starlink-delays-customer-internet-orders-apologizes-silicon-shortages-dishes-2021-11"> Insider reported on Thursday</a> that Starlink had apologized for delays in sending out internet kits preordered by customers, which it blamed on silicon shortages. Starlink provides high-speed, low-latency broadband internet to customers around the world. It <a href="https://www.starlink.com/">describes its service</a> as ideal for remote or rural communities where connectivity has been unreliable or unavailable.

SpaceX's Starlink has no licence to operate in India and the public should steer clear until it does, say lawmakers

Elon Musk-run <keyword id="6360701" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="spaceX" source="Orion">SpaceX</keyword> is now aggressively hiring for the India market, after it appointed Sanjay Bhargava as the country director for its satellite company Starlink, and announced that it has registered its business in the country. Starlink, which will deliver low-latency broadband internet in India, is looking for a Director of Rural Transformation in the country. "In this role, you will be a critical member determining Starlink's successful adoption by local communities in India," the company said in a latest job posting, first seen by an unofficial group of fans called 'Tesla Club India'. The Director of Rural Transformation will be responsible for helping selected geographical areas deliver measurable and time-bound GDP and sustainable development goals through the deployment of Starlink technology. He or she will be responsible for partnering with the country director, and potentially manage regional directors as Starlink grows. The company's affordable satellite broadband services are being targeted in India in 2022, although its availability is subject to regulatory approvals. According to SpaceX, it is also looking for a "driven Executive Assistant to support our local team in India". "This role will work closely with HR and the management team to manage all office administration, assist with event planning, and facilitate the smooth day to day operations and functioning of the office," the company added. Starlink has already registered its business in India and is in process to apply for licenses in the country, according to Bhargava. "Pleased to share that SpaceX now has a 100 per cent owned subsidiary in India. The name is SSCPL -- Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited and the incorporation date is November 1, 2021. We can now start applying for licenses, open bank accounts etc," Bhargava said in a LinkedIn post earlier this month. Starlink has announced that it will first focus on 10 rural Lok Sabha constituencies to provide internet services. "We will probably focus on 10 rural Lok Sabha constituencies for 80 per cent of the Starlink terminals shipped to India. The number of preorders from rural constituencies will be one factor that helps us select focus constituencies," Bhargava had said. Starlink shipped 100,000 terminals to customers recently. The project aims to provide global broadband connectivity through a constellation of satellites. SpaceX began satellite launches in November 2019 and opened its $99 per month beta programme for select customers around a year later. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/cryptocurrency/news/government-may-change-income-tax-laws-to-tax-cryptocurrency-gains-in-budget/articleshow/87802508.cms">Government plans to tax cryptocurrency gains in Budget 2022</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/phonepe-announces-esop-buyback-worth-135-crore-for-employees/articleshow/87802097.cms">PhonePe announces ESOP buyback worth ₹135 crore for employees</a>

Elon Musk run firm Starlink that will provide affordable internet services to rural India is on a hiring mode

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="6355315" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="elon-musk">Elon Musk</keyword>'s <keyword id="6360701" type="DEFINITION" weightage="60" keywordseo="spacex">SpaceX</keyword> on Monday opened up $99 preorders for <keyword id="7612156" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="starlink">Starlink</keyword> in different parts of the world.</li><li>This included <keyword id="6355478" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="australia">Australia</keyword>, New Zealand, Mexico, and areas of the US where Starlink isn't yet live.</li><li>Musk said: "It's meant to be the same price in all countries. Only difference should be taxes &amp; shipping."</li></ul>SpaceX on Monday began offering preorders of its Starlink satellite <keyword id="6357247" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Internet">internet</keyword> service to more countries and cities around the world, including Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, and parts of the US and Canada where Starlink is not yet up and running.Starlink's "Better Than Nothing" beta launched in October and currently operates in parts of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/starlink-internet-satellite-public-beta-speed-spacex-mbps-elon-musk-2020-11">northern US</a>, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/spacex-starlink-internet-first-canada-customer-indigenous-community-pikangikum-musk-2020-12">southern Canada</a>, and most recently <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/starlink-beta-uk-elon-musk-spacex-satellite-broadband-2021-1">in the UK</a>.Outside of these areas, people in certain locations can now <a href="https://www.starlink.com/legal/terms-of-service-preorder?regionCode=US">put down a $99 deposit</a> to get their hands on the service once it becomes available, which is expected to be later this year.The deposit will be applied to the amount due on the Starlink kit, according to users in the <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Starlink/comments/lfjdgp/starlink_taking_99_deposits/">Reddit Starlink community</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/TylerG1998/status/1358965140998217729">Twitter users</a> who have signed up for the satellite internet network. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/spacex-starlink-public-beta-how-to-join-price-cost-subscription-2020-10">Starlink currently costs $600 upfront</a>."Orders will be fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis," the <a href="https://www.starlink.com/">company website says</a>.A Starlink subscriber in Ontario, Canada, who is currently not in the service area <a href="https://twitter.com/Adamklotz_/status/1358895404054695942?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1358964520522162176%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es2_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.teslarati.com%2Fspacex-opens-starlink-internet-preorders-worldwide%2Fe%2F">tweeted on Monday</a> that he could preorder Starlink, and that he hoped the cost would come down soon. SpaceX CEO Elon <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1358964520522162176">Musk replied to his tweet, saying</a>: "It's meant to be the same price in all countries. Only difference should be taxes &amp; shipping."A user on the Reddit Starlink community <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Starlink/comments/lfu6bg/was_able_to_pre_order_in_va_around_387_778/">posted Tuesday</a> they had also preordered the kit from Vancouver, Canada. Another Reddit user based in Mexico <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Starlink/comments/lfuxph/mexico_rollout_targets_late_2021_not_mid/">posted a picture on the platform Tuesday</a> of a deposit confirmation that said the internet service would come to the country in late 2021.Read more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/spacex-starlink-satellite-dish-user-terminal-cost-stmelectronics-outsource-manufacturer-2020-11?r=kd-sub">SpaceX may shell out billions to outsource Starlink satellite-dish production, an industry insider says - and lose up to $2,000 on each one it sells</a>Across the Pacific ocean, Australian subscribers have also been able to preorder Starlink for <a href="https://twitter.com/techAU/status/1358905494698512387/photo/1">mid to late 2021</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/corkers898/status/1358909876118843394">One Twitter user in Victoria said</a> he'd ordered it for his parents who live in rural Australia, adding that it's "game changing."A <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Starlink/comments/lfxts7/pre_ordered_starlink_38_south_victoria_australia/">Reddit</a><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Starlink/comments/lfxts7/pre_ordered_starlink_38_south_victoria_australia/"> user also based in Victoria on Tuesday posted</a> a picture of their AU$139 ($107) deposit, saying they had just preordered Starlink. Other users responded to the post, including some in <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Starlink/comments/lfxts7/pre_ordered_starlink_38_south_victoria_australia/gmoexie?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=web2x&amp;context=3ontext=3">New Zealand who confirmed</a> they were able to order too.Other parts of the US outside current service areas are also able to reserve the Starlink kit.One <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Starlink/comments/lfrl2n/yeeeeeaaahhhh_boooyyyeeeeeefinally_coming_to/">Reddit user in Virginia confirmed</a> they preordered Musk's internet network, and other users in <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Starlink/comments/lfr8z7/just_ordered_in_southeast_missouri_37515230/">south-east Missouri</a>, <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Starlink/comments/lfr8z7/just_ordered_in_southeast_missouri_37515230/gmnefte?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=web2x&amp;context=3ontext=3">Kansas</a>, and <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Starlink/comments/lfr8z7/just_ordered_in_southeast_missouri_37515230/gmo5hdn?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=web2x&amp;context=3ontext=3">Illinois</a> did the same, with expected deliveries in mid to late 2021.Over the course of the year, more countries could green light Starlink. The approval process for the satellite network is still in early stages in the Caribbean, Austria, Spain, Ireland, Italy, the Philippines, India, Japan, South Africa, Brazil, and Columbia, according to a report from <a href="https://www.teslarati.com/spacex-opens-starlink-internet-preorders-worldwide/">Teslarati</a>. Starlink now has <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-spacex-starlink-beta-satellite-internet-users-worldwide-2021-2">more than 10,000 users worldwide</a> and promises download speeds of between 50 and 150 megabits per second (Mbps), although some users are already <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/starlink-internet-satellite-public-beta-speed-spacex-mbps-elon-musk-2020-11?utm_source=reddit.com">hitting more than 210 Mbps</a>.Have you recently ordered or installed Starlink in your country? Get in touch with this reporter via email: kduffy@insider.com.

SpaceX is now offering $99 preorders of Starlink to more users around the world, including in Mexico, Australia, and US states where the service isn't yet live

<ul><li>Mukesh Ambani-owned Reliance Jio has formed a joint venture with Luxembourg based SES.</li><li>Sunil Mittal-owned Airtel has entered into a JV with Hughes Communications.</li><li>The Tata Group is reportedly in talks with Telesat’s Lightspeed brand.</li><li>Check out the latest news and updates on <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/">Business Insider</a>.</li></ul><keyword id="6355315" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="elon-musk" source="Orion">Elon Musk</keyword>’s <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/elon-musks-starlink-faces-its-first-setback-in-india-even-before-launch/articleshow/88702976.cms">Starlink</a> has also been trying to enter the Indian market but was asked to refund the pre-orders that it had accepted as the company has not secured a license to operate in the second largest telecom market in the world. In the meantime, India’s biggest billionaires like <keyword id="3820" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mukesh-ambani" source="Orion">Mukesh Ambani</keyword> and <keyword id="6358599" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sunil-mittal" source="Orion">Sunil Mittal</keyword> have found their respective partners to launch their own satellite broadband services. Reliance Jio, owned by Ambani, has formed a joint venture (JV) with SES, a satellite-based content and connectivity solutions provider from Luxembourg. In January this year, Airtel had announced a JV with Hughes Communications to offer satellite-based broadband services in the country. Nelco, an arm of the multi-billion dollar Tata Group, is also <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/tata-group-to-offer-satellite-broadband-services-in-india-through-telesats-lightspeed-brand/articleshow/85200846.cms">reportedly </a>in talks with Canadian firm Telesat’s Lightspeed brand to offer satellite broadband services in the country by 2024. Another player that is looking to enter the satellite-based broadband services market in India is <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/telecom/telecom-news/amazon-eyeing-satellite-broadband-space-in-india/articleshow/83134040.cms?from=mdr">Amazon</a> as part of Project Kruiper satellite constellation. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="What is satellite broadband?" comment="subhead" text="What is satellite broadband?">What is satellite broadband?</cmsannotation> Satellite broadband uses satellites orbiting the earth to provide internet services to people using a dish. Unlike traditional broadband services, satellite broadband does not require users to get a wired connection from the operators. This becomes useful especially in those areas that do not have broadband infrastructure such as rural areas. Satellite broadband also helps in tracking vehicles, generating alerts for natural disasters, and in remotely managing power grids to name a few use cases. Satellite broadband services are already available in countries like the US and UK. Elon Musk’s Starlink is currently testing its services in 25 countries, including the US, UK, Canada and France among others. In addition to Starlink, the UK also has other players such as OneWeb, which is partially owned by Airtel. In November 2021, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) had issued a consultation paper on establishing a licensing framework for satellite gateways which are required to offer broadband services using satellites. The paper had sought suggestions on license fee, entry fee, bank guarantees and other information such as operational charges. Jio Satellite Communications, Jio’s satellite unit had <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/telecom/telecom-news/reliance-jio-arm-applies-for-satellite-communication-services-licence/articleshow/89462073.cms">applied</a> for a global mobile personal communication by satellite services (GMPCS) license to offer satellite-based broadband services in India earlier this month. Airtel’s OneWeb, had also <a href="https://telecomtalk.info/oneweb-licence-satellite-broadband-services-in-india/457652/">applied</a> for a GMPCS license in 2021. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/airtel-xstream-premium-streaming-service-launched-in-india/articleshow/89474095.cms">Airtel Xstream Premium streaming service launched in India, priced at ₹149 per month</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/airtel-and-hughes-form-joint-venture-will-offer-satellite-broadband-service-in-india/articleshow/88705316.cms">Airtel and Hughes form joint venture, will offer satellite broadband service in India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/elon-musks-starlink-faces-its-first-setback-in-india-even-before-launch/articleshow/88702976.cms">Elon Musk’s Starlink faces its first setback in India even before launch</a>

India’s richest billionaires are fast catching up while Elon Musk struggles for satellite broadband licence

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="11897862" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="elon-musk" source="Orion">Elon Musk</keyword> said <keyword id="11900744" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="tesla" source="Orion">Tesla</keyword> is working through "a lot of challenges" with the Indian government.</li><li><keyword id="11892747" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword> is the world's fifth-largest auto market and represents a huge opportunity for Tesla. </li></ul>Elon Musk said Tesla is "still working through a lot of challenges" with the Indian government before launching an operation there.The Tesla CEO was responding to a tweet asking when the company would launch in the country.Tesla is lobbying the Indian government to slash import taxes on EVs before it agrees to start selling in the market.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1481401280144814083">January 12, 2022</a></blockquote>India's <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/renewables/tesla-lobbies-modis-office-in-india-to-slash-taxes-before-it-enters-market-sources/articleshow/87167444.cms?from=mdr">import taxes</a> on <keyword id="11897958" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="electric-vehicles" source="Orion">electric vehicles</keyword> are 60% on EVs that cost $40,000 or less and 100% on those above $40,000.In a <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1418656085267865602?s=20">tweet</a> last July, Musk said that India's import duties are "the highest in the world by far of any large country!"The Indian government has rejected Musk's claims on Twitter, <a href="https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/corporate/story/breaking-elon-musk-trying-to-put-pressure-reduce-import-duty-on-tesla-say-govt-sources-318925-2022-01-13">BusinessToday</a> reported. Sources told the Indian news outlet that Musk is trying to pressure the government via social media and that the electric vehicle maker wants lower import taxes without committing to production in the country.The Indian EV market is still in its infancy, but the government is aiming for at least <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/india-autos-electric-idCNL4N2RA1YO">65% of all new vehicle sales</a> to be electric by 2030.As the world's second-most populous nation, India's auto market — now the world's fifth-largest — is expected to grow on the back of a burgeoning tech-savvy middle class, presenting potentially colossal growth opportunities for carmakers.Last January, Tesla registered Tesla Motors India and Energy Private Limited in Bengaluru. It had planned to start by importing and selling the Model 3 sedan, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/india-tesla-minister-exclusive/exclusive-india-woos-tesla-with-offer-of-cheaper-production-costs-than-china-idUSKCN2AU1AS">Reuters</a> reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.But the government wants Tesla to produce its cars in India instead — and the country's transport minister told Reuters it was prepared to offer Tesla incentives to do so.Musk later said on <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-tesla-build-india-factory-import-taxes-electric-vehicles-2021-7">Twitter</a> that Tesla was "quite likely" to build an EV factory in India — but only if it could import completed vehicles at lower tax rates.The Indian government has already approved seven Tesla EV variants, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/elon-musks-tesla-receives-approval-for-seven-ev-variants-in-india/articleshow/88276287.cms">Business Insider India</a> reported last month.It's not just Tesla — Musk's SpaceX has also been facing problems in India. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/spacex-starlink-india-no-licence-operate-government-2021-11">In November,</a> Indian lawmakers said the company's Starlink internet service did not have a license to operate in the country. The company was then ordered to refund customer deposits for pre-orders, the <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/telecom/telecom-news/musks-spacex-starts-refunding-99-deposits-to-indians-who-pre-booked-starlink/articleshow/88688203.cms">Economic Times</a> reported.

You Searched For "Starlink India preorder" and got 9 results

Elon Musk’s Starlink faces its first setback in India even before launch

Rounak Jain

SpaceX is refunding Starlink preorders in India after the government ordered it to stop selling the internet service without a license

Kate Duffy

Musk's Starlink gets approval to operate in Brazil as it waits for licence in India

IANS

Elon Musk-owned Starlink forms subsidiary in India, will soon apply for licenses

IANS

SpaceX's Starlink has no licence to operate in India and the public should steer clear until it does, say lawmakers

Tola Onanuga

Elon Musk run firm Starlink that will provide affordable internet services to rural India is on a hiring mode

IANS

SpaceX is now offering $99 preorders of Starlink to more users around the world, including in Mexico, Australia, and US states where the service isn't yet live

Kate Duffy

India’s richest billionaires are fast catching up while Elon Musk struggles for satellite broadband licence

Rounak Jain

Elon Musk says Tesla is still working through 'a lot of challenges' with the Indian government as it looks to launch in the country

Huileng Tan