Page 32 - The Indian EYE 011924

BUSINESS EYE JANUARY 19, 2024 | The Indian Eye 32

TECH T@LK

Elon Musk launches ‘Starlink Direct-to-Phone’ satellites

Vodafone Idea denies discussion with satellite internet company Starlink for any stake sale

OUR BUREAU link is a satellite network developed by Musk’s
space flight company SpaceX to provide low-cost
San Francisco, CA internet to remote and interior locations.
E lon Musk has announced the launch of Star- operator Vodafone Idea on Tuesday said it was not
Meanwhile, clearing all speculations, telecom
link Direct-to-Phone satellites.
Musk shared a video on X on Wednes-
satellite internet company Starlink for any stake
day and wrote, “First launch of Starlink Direct-to- in any such discussion with the Elon Musk-owned
Phone satellites.” sale. “In this regard, we would like to submit that
Musk also reshared the ‘SpaceX’ post and the company is not in any such discussion with the
wrote, “This will allow for mobile phone connec- named party. We are not aware of the basis of the
tivity anywhere on Earth. Note, this only supports said news item,” Vodafone Idea informed stock ex-
7 MB per beam and the beams are very big, so changes in a filing after a clarification was sought
while this is a great solution for locations with no on a news item.
cellular connectivity, it is not meaningfully com- “We wish to reiterate and clarify that the
petitive with existing terrestrial cellular networks.” Company will comply with SEBI Listing Regula-
tions and duly keep the stock exchanges informed
“The six @Starlink satellites on this of all the price-sensitive information.”
Earlier, a media report claimed that the gov-
mission with direct-to-cell capability ernment could sell its 33 per cent stake in Voda-
will further global connectivity and help also a solution for areas without cellular coverage. fone Idea to Elon Musk.
Since the news report of possible stake sales
The major goal of the first-ever direct-to-cell
to eliminate dead zones - http://direct. satellite by Musk’s company is to give people high- was published, the telecom operator’s shares have
starlink.com,” SpaceX’s post read. speed network access in remote and rural locations risen over 20 per cent in the past five sessions. Over
where other networks have issues. the past 12 months, the company’s shares doubled
Starlink Direct-to-Phone satellites will pro- Internet access and cell phone service are ex- from Rs 8 to Rs 16. On Tuesday at 2.57 pm, the
vide mobile phone access anywhere on Earth and pected to be quicker and more dependable. Star- shares were, however, 6 per cent lower.

www.TheIndianEYE.com