Turf wars with ISRO stall connectivity: DoT official

Turf wars with ISRO stall connectivity: DoT official

Context:

• India builds the cheapest satellites but has the most expensive bandwidth, a government official said on Tuesday, blaming turf wars between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Telecom (DoT) for delays in taking connectivity to far-flung areas.

Introduction:

• It will cost around ₹150 to serve one user with the current cost structure in the country whereas in the U.S., it costs $1 or ₹65.
• As per the ISRO sources, more transponders were required on satellites.

Hurting business

• It is hurting business development and ultimately people are not getting (benefited).

Problem of domain:

• According to DoT’s special secretary N. Sivasailamhim, there is a “problem of domains” between the DoT and the ISRO that has impacted the roll-out of connectivity in far-flung areas for 20 years.