Satellite Internet: Significance, Scope & Challenges

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In today’s information age, internet connectivity has become a crucial indicator of development. The internet lies at the core of the globally connected economy and society, providing the ability to transmit information from anywhere to anywhere in real time. As a result, internet infrastructure becomes essential, and satellite internet infrastructure enhances the reach and resilience of traditional internet services.

What is Satellite Internet?

Satellite Internet is a wireless broadband service that provides internet connectivity via satellites orbiting the Earth, bypassing traditional terrestrial infrastructure like cables or fiber optics.
It operates through constellations of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, which transmit signals to ground-based user terminals, ensuring access in remote, rural, and geographically challenging areas.
Satellite internet providers like Starlink (SpaceX) deploy thousands of satellites to achieve global coverage. Each Starlink satellite transmits and receives data from users on the ground but can only cover a few hundred kilometers. To ensure seamless connectivity, a mega-constellation of interconnected satellites is deployed.
Companies like SpaceX (Starlink), OneWeb, and others have pioneered this technology globally, while Jio and Airtel are working to bring similar services to India.
In India, satellite internet aligns with the Digital India initiative, aiming to bridge the digital divide and expand access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. However, its deployment faces challenges related to cost, regulation, and security, necessitating a balanced approach for seamless integration into India’s digital ecosystem.

Credit: Ground Control

Key Advantages of Satellite Internet

Universal Coverage in Remote Areas

Satellite internet’s primary advantage lies in its ability to provide connectivity where terrestrial networks are impractical. In India, vast rural expanses, hilly terrains (e.g., Northeast states), and island regions (e.g., Andaman & Nicobar) remain underserved by traditional broadband due to high infrastructure costs and logistical challenges.
Satellite systems, particularly LEO constellations like Starlink’s, can beam internet directly to such areas, requiring only a user terminal (e.g., a small dish).
In India, where only around 343 million people had fixed broadband access by 2023 (TRAI data), satellite internet can leapfrog infrastructure gaps, supporting the government’s push for digital equity and inclusion.

High-Speed and Low-Latency Connectivity

Technological advancements have significantly improved satellite internet’s performance. Unlike older geostationary satellites (at 36,000 km altitude) with high latency (600-800 milliseconds), modern LEO satellites (at 550-1,200 km) offer latency as low as 20-40 milliseconds, comparable to fibre optics.
Such speed enables real-time applications like video conferencing, online education, telemedicine, etc.

Scalability and Rapid Deployment

Satellite networks are inherently scalable, as additional satellites can be launched to expand coverage or capacity.
Terrestrial networks require years to lay cables, whereas satellite internet can be deployed quickly once regulatory approvals and user hardware are in place.
The current government’s strong support, exemplified by collaborations with global firms like SpaceX and OneWeb, signals rapid rollout potential.
High levels of scalability suit India’s diverse geography and population density, from urban centres to sparsely populated rural hamlets.

By connecting the unconnected, satellite internet can unlock economic opportunities. Rural and informal entrepreneurs with expertise in rare arts, crafts, and medicine-making can access e-commerce platforms. Farmers can utilise real-time weather data, and students can participate in online classes.
It can boost inflight Wi-Fi and broadband expansion, enhancing tourism and urban connectivity.
Satellite internet can catalyse inclusive growth, aligning with schemes like BharatNet.

Resilience in Disasters

Satellite internet offers a resilient backup during natural disasters like floods, storms, tsunamis, wars, etc., when terrestrial networks fail.
During such events, India can hugely benefit from uninterrupted communication for rescue, relief and rehabilitation operations.
Starlink’s deployment in Ukraine during conflict demonstrates its utility in crisis scenarios, a capability India could leverage for disaster management.

Scope for Expansion in India

Bridging the Digital Divide

India’s digital divide is stark, with urban areas enjoying 4G/5G while rural penetration lags, with only 58% internet coverage by 2023 (TRAI).
Satellite internet’s ability to reach 100% geographical coverage offers immense scope to connect the remaining 600 million-plus unserved and underserved citizens.

Support for Emerging Technologies

The expansion of 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), Smart cities, etc., in India demands robust backhaul connectivity, which Satellite Internet is fully capable of doing.
Satellite internet can serve as a backbone in areas lacking fibre, supporting IoT applications in agriculture (e.g., smart irrigation), urban services (e.g., traffic management), supply deliveries, aggregators, etc.

Global Partnerships and Market Growth

India’s collaborations with global players like SpaceX (Starlink), Eutelsat OneWeb (backed by Bharti Airtel), and SES (partnered with Jio) signal a burgeoning market.
The global satellite internet market, valued at $2.93 billion in 2020, is projected to reach $18.59 billion by 2030 at 20.4 per cent CAGR (Allied Market Research). Coupled with India’s strategic position, duly supported by ISRO’s satellite expertise, it offers scope to capture a significant share.
The government’s liberalised Space policy (2023) further encourages private investment, enhancing expansion prospects.

Policy Push and Digital India Alignment

The current government’s backing aligns satellite internet with national priorities like Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The Telecom Act, 2023, simplifies spectrum allocation for satellite services, while the Indian Space Policy, 2023, opens doors for private sector participation.
With ISRO continuously launching communication satellites, India can develop indigenous solutions, expanding its scope beyond foreign reliance.

Rural Education and Healthcare

The Covid-19 pandemic exposed gaps in online education and telemedicine, with 27% of rural students lacking internet access (ASER 2022). Satellite internet can expand e-learning platforms like SWAYAM, telehealth services under Ayushman Bharat, etc., reaching millions. Its scope here is transformative, addressing India’s socio-economic disparities.

Barriers Facing Implementation

Affordability and Cost Barriers

The high cost of user hardware remains a significant hurdle. Terminals like Starlink’s still cost $599 (approx. Rs. 50,000) plus subscription fees ($99/month or Rs. 8,300).
In India, with a per capita income of $2,400 annually (World Bank, 2023), such an expenditure is unaffordable, especially for rural households, limiting adoption despite government enthusiasm.

Regulatory and Policy Gaps

India lacks a comprehensive regulatory framework for satellite internet.
Spectrum allocation, whether auctioned or administratively assigned, remains contentious.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has yet to finalise norms, delaying rollout.
Also, licensing for foreign operators like Starlink requires clarity on local partnerships and compliance, slowing deployment.

National Security Concerns

Foreign-controlled satellite networks pose security risks. Denial of Starlink’s unauthorised use in Manipur, a conflict zone, highlighting vulnerabilities, is a case in point.
India’s reliance on providers like SpaceX can compromise data sovereignty, as user data might be stored abroad, conflicting with the Personal Data Protection Bill’s localisation norms.
Military concerns about satellite signals being exploited in border areas (e.g., with China, Pakistan, etc.) further complicate approval.

Competition with Terrestrial Networks

Satellite internet faces competition from expanding 4G/5G networks and BharatNet’s fibre rollout.
In urban and semi-urban areas, cheaper mobile data overshadows satellite’s appeal.
The narrow focus on remote connectivity suggests a niche role, but overlapping investments could strain resources, reducing the satellite’s priority in policy and funding.

Environmental and Technical Challenges

Launching and maintaining satellite constellations involve environmental costs, including space debris (Kessler Syndrome) and carbon emissions from rocket launches. India, committed to net-zero emissions by 2070, must weigh such dimensions.
Technically, signal interference in dense urban areas or during adverse weather can disrupt service, a concern for consistent rural internet uptake.

Way Forward

India must subsidise user terminals through public-private partnerships (PPP), targeting rural and low-income groups.
A robust regulatory framework, balancing innovation with oversight, should mandate local data storage and partnerships (e.g., 26% Indian equity in foreign ventures).
Leveraging ISRO’s capabilities for indigenous satellite internet can reduce dependency, enhancing self-reliance in the field.
By addressing the barriers strategically, India can integrate satellite internet equitably and securely, realising its promise as a new frontier in connectivity

Satellite internet holds transformative potential for India, offering universal coverage, high-speed connectivity, and resilience, with a vast scope to bridge the digital divide and support emerging technologies. Its expansion is bolstered by global partnerships and policy support, aligning with India’s digital and economic ambitions. However, affordability remains a critical barrier, with hardware costs out of reach for most rural users.

Reference: Deccan Herald | PMFIAS: Satellite-Based Internet Connectivity

PMF IAS Pathfinder for Mains – Question 128

Q. Write a short note on Satellite Internet. Assess its key advantages and scope for expansion, and give an account of barriers facing its implementation. (15 Marks) (250 Words)

Approach

Introduction: Define satellite internet, its relevance to India, and a statement previewing advantages, scope, and barriers.
Body: Write a short Note on Satellite Internet, detailing its key advantages, scope for expansion and barriers to implementation.
Conclusion: Summarise findings and suggest a way forward.