THE EVOLVING SKYSCAPE

Satcom is fast emerging as a game-changer in Indiabridging rural connectivity gaps, fueling innovation, and fostering inclusive development

- TV RAMACHANDRAN

Despite decades of dedicated efforts, adequate tele connectivity for the remote and unconnected many, remained a pipedream in India. None of the terrestrial technologies could succeed in bridging the divide in connectivity. Big practical and operational challenges as well as financial viability issues have been, and still are, being faced to connect such difficult-to-reach areas of our vast and diverse country.

SATELLITES CAN BE THE VERITABLE MESSIAH OF CONNECTIVITY

It is a sheer delight to listen to the connectivity achievements of today thanks to modern-day advancements in satellite communications. For example, on 15 March, while inaugurating the Centre for Broadband Proliferation in Rural Areas (CBPIR), Chairman DCC and Department of Telecom Secretary Dr Neeraj Mittal highlighted that a huge pent-up demand for data and broadband exists in rural and inaccessible areas.

Citing an example where 4G was launched in a poorly connected area of North East through satellite, he noted the surprising trend of connectivity-deprived consumers consuming up to 25 GB per month, 40% higher than the national average. This and many more such interesting but unsung and unknown connectivity accomplishments are quietly happening in India today, thanks to the increasingly powerful role played by the progressively reformed and liberalised satellite communications sector over the last few years and the crying need for more satellite broadband.

THE BEGINNING OF THE REFORMS