Bridging the Digital Divide in India with Satcom

1. What is Satcom?

Satcom (Satellite Communication) is a system where satellites provide internet and communication services. Unlike terrestrial mobile networks that depend on towers, Satcom uses satellites to deliver connectivity even to remote or disaster-hit regions.

2. Why is Satcom important for India?

India still has a digital divide, with 66% internet penetration. Satcom can bridge this gap by reaching remote villages, forests, deserts, and mountains where laying fibre cables or towers is not feasible.

3. How does Satcom differ from terrestrial networks?

Terrestrial networks excel in urban and accessible areas, but they cannot always reach tough terrains. Satcom complements them by extending connectivity to high-altitude, rural, and disaster-affected zones.

4. What is India’s vision for Satcom?

The IN-SPACe/Industry Decadal Vision aims for India to capture 8% of the global space economy by 2033, with Satcom contributing $14.8 billion out of an expected $44 billion.

5. Who are the major players in Satcom?

Big global companies like SpaceX (Starlink), Amazon Kuiper, OneWeb, Reliance Jio, and Bharti Airtel are actively investing. India is approving spectrum and satellite services to encourage competition.

6. What challenges does Satcom face?

The main challenges are high upfront investment, need for regulatory clarity, and ensuring affordable services without monopolistic pricing. Satellites are costly to launch, but they become profitable in the long term when combined with terrestrial networks.

7. How can Satcom aid national missions?

Satcom can strengthen Digital India, BharatNet, disaster management, border security, and defence. It can connect remote schools, healthcare centres, and military outposts, making connectivity inclusive and strategic.

8. What is the best way forward for India?

India must allocate spectrum quickly, encourage cooperation instead of rivalry between satellite and telecom operators, and build policies that support both affordability and innovation.

“Technology becomes truly powerful when it reaches the last person in the line.” – Anonymous