Why in the News?

Indian telecom companies Airtel and Jio signed a deal with SpaceX to bring Starlink's satellite internet services to India.

About Satellite Internet

• Definition: Satellite internet or satellite broadband, is a wireless internet connection provided through communication satellites orbiting the Earth.
• Difference: Unlike land-based internet services such as fiber, cable, or DSL, it doesn't rely on wires to transmit data.
• Infrastructure: Satellite internet system architecture generally includes three segments:
  • Space Segment: It is mainly a constellation system composed of several communication satellites, which is responsible for receiving and forwarding satellite signals and providing satellite signal coverage to users.
    • Satellites can be positioned in various types of orbits based on the demand.
  • Ground segment: Includes satellite measurement and control networks, gateway stations, etc., and mainly plays the role of connecting the satellite Internet and ground communication networks. 
  • User segment: Includes various communication terminals used by users.

Significance of Satellite Internet services

• To bridge the digital divide in remote areas: Suited for unconnected areas or areas with unreliable connectivity.
  • Nearly 40% of India's 1.4 billion people still don't have internet access, with rural areas making up most of the cases.
• Connectivity during Disaster: Can be used at a temporary location like a construction site or emergency shelter during disaster, or on moving objects like aircraft, ships, trains, and more.
• Useful in digital economy: E.g. Use in development of platform economies, electronic consumption, digital trade, and digital infrastructure.
• Strategic autonomy: Satellites are less prone to accidental cuts, and geopolitical tensions.
• Military Conflicts: E.g. Use of Starlink Services in Russia–Ukraine conflict.

Issues about Satellite Internet services

• Concerns for internal security: In the wake of the Pahalgam attack, NIA suspect that terrorist may have used satellite phones to contact each other and their bases in Pakistan.
• Issues of Data Privacy and Digital sovereignty: Which data is being collected, how is it stored and who has access rights?
• Lack of effective control: Private players led borderless global network and information space by this system presented disruptive challenges to regulatory ecosystem.
• Monopolistic Tendencies: SpaceX, with its extensive satellite network, risks forming a monopolistic market structure.
• Satellite Latency: Satellite internet typically has higher latency compared to traditional wired connections due to the distance data must travel to and from the satellite.
  • However, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) systems like Starlink aim to reduce this latency, achieving speeds in the 25-50 millisecond range.
• Atmospheric changes: Aluminum in satellites produces aluminum oxide, also known as alumina, during burn-up. Alumina is known to cause ozone depletion and could alter atmosphere's ability to reflect heat.
• Licensing and Spectrum Pricing:  Complex negotiations and inter-ministerial consultations are required for the VSAT license.
  • Spectrum pricing and conditions, especially for Ku and Ka bands, are under negotiation.
• Other Issues: Weather can affect Satellite internet, High cost associated with its deployment and operation, Increase in space junk, Astronomical Interference etc.

Way forward

• Pilot programs: Like in remote areas, such as oil fields or desert communities, can demonstrate feasibility and build public confidence.
• Comprehensive regulatory frameworks: India must establish clear policies for licensing, data governance, and spectrum allocation.
• Collaborating with private operators: Incentives such as tax breaks and grants will encourage private players and ensure alignment with both national security objectives and broader economic goals.
• Hybrid models: To maximize efficiency, hybrid models combining satellite and terrestrial networks can be used.
• Other way forwards: Prioritize integrating rural and remote areas, Stronger regional and diplomatic initiatives etc.