Unleashing the satellite communications revolution

It is time for India to maximise the potential of satellite broadband to bridge the digital divide and bring reliable connectivity to its citizens.

In an industry keynote address at the recently held Voice&Data Telecom Leadership Forum, Shivaji Chatterjee, Executive Vice President of Enterprise and Government Business at Hughes Communications India, shed light on the transformative power of satellite communications (Satcom).

Chatterjee drew attention to the growing worldwide interest in Satcom, emphasising how it has transitioned from being a complex technology to becoming a practical and broadly applicable service. The industry is currently experiencing the emergence of prominent figures like Elon Musk, Sunil Mittal, and Jeff Bezos, as they introduce satellite constellations that offer extensive coverage and unprecedented capacity. He also delved into the implications of these advancements in Satcom for both the enterprise and government sectors.

Changing landscape of Satcom

In the past, Satcom was known for its high costs, limited bandwidth, and significant latency. However, according to Chatterjee, these traditional characteristics are rapidly changing. The industry has been revolutionised by the emergence of satellite constellations, which consist of numerous satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). By positioning satellites at closer distances, approximately 600-1,200 Kms, latency has been significantly reduced, resulting in end-to-end latencies of under 50 milliseconds. This improvement now rivals terrestrial networks, ensuring consistent and reliable connectivity regardless of location, whether it be in rural or urban areas.

The improvements in Satcom now rival terrestrial networks, ensuring consistent and reliable connectivity, regardless of the location.

Furthermore, the scalability of satellite constellations is a significant advantage. Instead of relying on a single large satellite, constellations allow for the continual addition of satellites to enhance capacity. This scalability, coupled with the ability to provide uniform coverage across land, air, and water, makes satellite technology increasingly appealing for a wide range of applications.

Chatterjee underscored the substantial investment required to establish satellite constellations. Companies such as Starlink, OneWeb, and Amazon Kuiper have entered the satellite business, injecting billions of dollars into the industry, and gaining global recognition. This influx of capital has not only generated excitement but also accelerated the development of satellite constellations.

High-throughput satellites and frequency reuse

The advancements in Satcom extend beyond constellation technology. Chatterjee highlighted the advancements in constellation technology and also emphasised the introduction of high-throughput satellite (HTS) technology. HTS incorporates frequency reuse, similar to the cellular industry, to maximise capacity. This concept allows each user to have their unique content and dedicated frequency, resulting in a significant increase in overall capacity. The combination of HTS and very high throughput satellites (VHDS) provides multi-terabytes of capacity per satellite, opening the doors for data-intensive services and applications.

The evolution of Satcom brings numerous benefits to users and stakeholders. The proximity of LEO satellites to Earth enables the use of smaller and more portable terminals, ranging from laptop-sized devices to small aperture terminals. Furthermore, the implementation of software-defined networks on satellites enables the dynamic configuration of beams and capacity allocation. This flexibility optimises service delivery based on demand, leading to efficient resource utilisation. It also allows for customised solutions tailored to specific applications, such as disaster management and defence.

Direct satellite-to-device connectivity

Chatterjee drew attention to the convergence of satellite and terrestrial technologies within the 5G ecosystem. A major milestone in this convergence is the inclusion of Satcom in the 3GPP Release 17 standard and the integration of satellite chips into default phones by manufacturers such as Qualcomm and MediaTek. This integration allows for direct satellite-to-device connectivity, bringing satellite communication capabilities to mainstream consumer devices. Through partnerships between satellite operators and major manufacturers, the potential for global coverage and alternative connectivity solutions gains momentum.

He acknowledged that India has faced challenges with a lack of reliable and affordable broadband capacity, making it accessible only to those who can afford it. This limited availability, coupled with subpar pricing, has hindered widespread adoption. However, with the emergence of advanced technologies like HTS, the situation is beginning to change. The growing demand for faster connectivity, driven by initiatives like Digital India, telehealth, and rural network connectivity programs, presents a significant market opportunity for satellite broadband providers.

Addressing connectivity challenges

The Indian government has made significant efforts to expand connectivity in rural areas, primarily focusing on fibre connectivity to homes and villages, as well as the provision of 4G mobile broadband services. While these initiatives have achieved impressive reach, especially through terrestrial networks like Jio, Airtel, and BSNL, there are still areas that lack sufficient coverage. Satellite broadband can play a crucial role in bridging this gap and ensuring connectivity even in the most remote regions. However, it is crucial to address the issue of affordability, as broadband services need to be priced reasonably to accommodate the diverse economic conditions in India.

The proximity of LEO satellites to Earth enables the use of smaller and more portable terminals – from laptop-sized devices to small aperture terminals.

Nevertheless, Chatterjee highlights several challenges that must be addressed. One significant challenge is the competition posed by terrestrial networks, which are continuously expanding and improving their services. While satellite broadband offers its advantages, it faces tough competition from well-established players in the telecommunications industry. Additionally, capacity constraints and the lack of robust reforms in the satellite and space sector have hindered the growth of satellite broadband in recent years.

Affordability remains a critical concern, especially in a country where mobile internet prices have significantly dropped and Wi-Fi is widely available for free. To gain traction, satellite broadband services must offer value for money, ensuring that prices are competitive and affordable for consumers. Additionally, market access and spectrum allocation should be carefully regulated to create a level playing field and promote fair competition.

Balancing hype and reality

In India, satellite broadband offers a substantial opportunity to address the digital divide and provide connectivity to underserved rural areas. However, it is important to maintain a balanced perspective and approach the situation with realism. Chatterjee advises against setting unrealistic expectations and emphasises the importance of innovation, a solid business model, and a deep understanding of the Indian market. Success in the industry will depend on effectively navigating the evolving landscape and leveraging technological advancements.

While there is excitement surrounding the potential of satellite broadband in India, it is crucial to recognise and tackle the challenges that lie ahead. Competition and affordability are significant concerns that need to be addressed. Creating a level playing field and ensuring fair market access and spectrum allocation are key factors for the success of satellite broadband in the country. By approaching the industry with the right strategies, innovative solutions, and a thorough understanding of market dynamics, satellite broadband has the potential to empower millions of Indians with reliable and affordable connectivity, paving the way for a new era of digital inclusion.

josunj@cybermedia.co.in