Starlink, a satellite communications (satcom) giant, reportedly needs another approval from IN-SPACe for launching Direct-to-Device (D2D) service in India. The D2D service allows the company to directly offer telecom services to the customers on their phones from space. So for example, if you need to text, make a call, or use data, the D2D service will allow you to do that even when you are not connected to a terrestrial network service. This service was enabled by Starlink using Gen-2 satellites. However, IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre) hasn't granted Starlink the approval to launch the Gen-2 satellites.
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Only Gen-1 satellites have been approved for India, said an ET report. The company's application to deploy Gen-2 satellite constellation in the country has been rejected by the authorities. An official aware of the developments told ET, "Starlink's Gen 2 constellation has different features and frequency bands; some of the bands are not even permitted in India."
The thing is, when Starlink had earlier submitted the application for launching satellites, the D2D service from the brand didn't even exist. It exists now, and the rules around it for India are unclear. That is why, IN-SPACe can't just give the permission for deploying and commercially offering the D2D service in India to Starlink.
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The D2D would be great for the consumers, but it will be a threat to the telcos. The D2D service can potentially hurt the subscriber base of the telcos in the future and also affect their revenues negatively. In the United States (US), however, Starlink has received permission to deploy Gen 2 satellites. The D2D service in US is already live. Starlink calls it Direct to Cell and at present offers SMS and data services through the space.
