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.
