Imagine a world where the villagers no longer have to trek miles to get news or medical assistance. Where children can attend virtual classrooms with world-renowned teachers. With the advent of Satellite Communication ,these once isolated villages are going to experience a dramatic transformation.
Fact Check - Satellite Communication, along with 5G and semiconductor manufacturing, is projected to contribute 1.6 % to the country’s GDP by FY2028.
1) How does Satellite Communication work?
➡ Form of Wireless communication
➡ Use of Satellites revolving around the Globe
➡ Satellite receives the signal from the ground station using its transponder, amplifies it, and processes it.
➡ The satellite then retransmits the amplified signal back to a different ground station or receiver on Earth.
2) Application of Satellite Communication
➡ GPS relies on constellation of satellites orbiting Earth to provide precise location to GPU receivers on ground.
➡ Internet access in remote or rural areas.
➡ Enables the broadcasting of television signals breaking all the geographical barriers.
3) Regulatory Framework of Satellite Communication
➡ Indian Space Policy 2023 - IN-SPACe has been made single window agency for authorisation of Space activities.
➡ FDI Policy - Recently, 100 percent Foreign investment has been permitted in Space Sector.
➡ Telecommunication Act 2023
➡ Satellite communication reforms 2022
4) Advantages of Satellite Communication
➡ Global Coverage - Extensive coverage including remote and rural areas.
➡ Reliability - Less prone to disruptions caused by natural disasters, infrastructure failure or geographical limitations.
➡ Scalability - Can be easily scaled depending on the user’s needs.
5) Satellite Communication in India
➡ At present, there are 9 operational communication satellites placed in Geo-stationary orbit.
➡ INSAT and GSAT series are the pioneer of India's satellite communication network.
➡ Launched in 2004, Edusat was the first dedicated satellite for education.
➡ So far, Eutelsat OneWeb and a joint venture between Reliance Industries' Jio Platforms and Luxembourg-based SES has received approval from IN-SPACe for satellite broadband services.
6) Way Forward for Indian Satellite Communication
➡ Approval to International Companies like Elon Musk's Starlink and Amazon to operate satellites over India.
➡ Favourable policy encouraging greater private sector participation and entrepreneurship. Use of Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.
➡ Liberalisation of regulations to attract FDI in Satcom.
➡ Invest in training programs to develop a skilled workforce capable of managing advanced satellite communication systems.
Satellite communication is poised to play a transformative role in India's future, driving innovation and improving connectivity.