Bridging India's Digital Divide: Present And Future Of Satellite Internet In India

In a world driven by connectivity, access to the internet has become more than a luxury—it's a necessity for participation in today's information-driven society. Yet, a significant portion of the global population remains untouched by the digital revolution. India, with its diverse landscape and widespread rural areas, faces a similar challenge. However, a series of recent developments in the satellite internet space are promising to change this narrative.  

Satellite Internet's Strides in India 

The Indian satellite internet landscape has witnessed remarkable strides recently, reshaping how the nation connects and communicates. Leading the charge is Hughes Communications India, which launched HughesNet, India's first high-throughput satellite (HTS) broadband service, powered by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This service is making high-speed internet accessible in select cities across the country, marking a watershed moment for digital connectivity. 

OneWeb, a satellite internet company backed by the Bharti Group and the UK government, has propelled India further towards internet equality. The company's deployment of 72 satellites from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre is just a glimpse of their ambitious plan to launch 648 satellites, aiming to provide high-speed internet to India's rural and remote regions. This initiative aligns with OneWeb's broader mission—to make affordable internet access a reality for billions worldwide. 

Rising Competition: Paving the Way for Innovation 

While OneWeb's efforts are monumental, they're not alone in shaping India's satellite internet landscape. Industry giants like Starlink, Amazon, and Telesat are also eyeing entry into the Indian market, fostering a sense of competition that bodes well for consumers. 

Elon Musk's Starlink, known for its ambitious satellite constellation, has expressed interest in the Indian market. The company's application to establish earth stations demonstrates a serious commitment to serving Indian customers. This move signifies the burgeoning interest of global players in India's satellite internet potential. 

Amazon, another behemoth in the tech industry, is also considering tapping into India's satellite internet market. With their resources and reach, Amazon's entry could further accelerate the democratisation of internet access across the country. 

Telesat, too, has set its sights on India. The competition among these players is expected to drive innovation, lower prices, and enhance service quality, ultimately benefitting the end-users. 

A Glimpse into the Future 

Speaking about the future of satellite internet in India, a spokesperson from OneWeb stated, "The government’s space reforms have been seminal, opening the sector for private investments, entrepreneurs, start-ups. We are very excited for its future, as well as the socio-economic benefits it will bring in the areas hitherto unconnected due to techno-economic limitations of terrestrial." 

As OneWeb expands its presence in India, the spokesperson revealed their plans to offer services nationwide. They said, "Currently with our 634 satellites in orbit, we are actively providing commercial services in countries like Alaska, Canada, the UK, Greenland, and the wider Arctic area." They further noted, "We already have Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) and National Long Distance (NLD) licenses from DoT in India and our gateways are under construction in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu." 

The spokesperson addressed the spectrum allocation debate, advocating for administrative allocation over auctioning. They said, "As OneWeb, we are in favour of India following a streamlined approach of administratively allocating spectrum for satellite communications services." They emphasised that auctioning can distort the utility of satellite spectrum and lead to non-utilisation in crucial areas. 

Overcoming Challenges and Paving the Way Forward 

While satellite internet holds immense promise, challenges remain on the path to its widespread adoption. Beyond the spectrum debate, OneWeb's spokesperson shed light on structural, strategic, and procedural hurdles. They emphasised the need for clarity on spectrum allocation, FDI policies, and USO subsidies. 

A Digital Revolution on the Horizon 

The convergence of recent developments along with OneWeb's and other player’s determined efforts, presents a transformative landscape for satellite internet in India. These advancements herald a new era of connectivity, one that promises to bridge the digital divide, foster economic growth, and open doors to innovation. As satellite internet players rally to expand their services, India's journey towards becoming a digitally inclusive nation gains momentum. 

The trajectory ahead is promising, illuminated by the passion of companies like OneWeb, Starlink, and Amazon, and the growing competition that fosters innovation. With supportive government policies, dynamic competition, and technology's relentless march forward, the future of satellite internet in India is bright—a beacon of hope for millions yearning to be a part of the digital revolution.