SATCOM : Satellite communications could improve quality of existing mobile networks

What is the news?

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has reprimanded Elon Musk’s Starlink Internet Services for pre-selling and booking the satellite based internet services without having obtained the necessary licences in the country.

In this context, let us read about satellite communication.

What is Satellite Communications (SATCOM)?

Satellite communication refers to any communication link that involves the use of an artificial satellite in its propagation path. 

The commercial launch of SATCOM services for telecom industry is expected in India and companies such as Starlink, OneWeb and others are preparing for this. 

They have plans to send thousands of LEO (low-Earth orbit) satellites into space to provide global coverage.

What are the benefits of  Satellite Communication (SATCOM) for India?

Can reach inaccessible areas: Around 20-25% of India’s population resides in places which can’t be easily covered by terrestrial telecom and lack mobile and internet access. These areas could easily be reached through satcom.

Lesser Cost in reaching difficult terrain areas: The rollout of terrestrial telecom in difficult terrain can cost 15 times more than its rollout in more accessible areas. Moreover, such regions are often under-populated with low average revenue per user. Satcom could dramatically improve the backhaul for mobile service providers in these areas.

Increased reliability and quality: Only about 35% of mobile base stations are fibre-connected. Satellite connectivity works better than microwave technology and is more feasible than fibre in difficult terrain. Hence, Satcom could increase the reliability and quality of existing mobile networks.

What are the concerns related to satellite communications launch?

Firstly, Satellite communication is expensive,

Secondly, setting up ground stations or gateways would require regulatory approvals in each country, and there could be inhibitions with conservative regulators.

Thirdly, there is no clear policy on Universal Licence (UL) specifically permitting international internet gateways.

Recommendations by TRAI

TRAI has given several recommendations related to SATCOM such as:

Reforming specifications to suit modern technologies and allowing satcom for cellular and Wi-Fi backhauls.

Permitting licences to obtain satellite bandwidth from foreign satellites and to lease satellite capacity from foreign satellites.

Technology neutrality in the use of all types of satellites for internet-of-things (IoT) applications.

Source: This post is based on the article “Satellite communications could improve the quality of existing mobile networks” published in Business Standard on 28th Nov 2021.