India is witnessing a thrilling race unfolding in the vast expanse above the Satcom race. But what exactly is Satcom, and why is it causing such a stir?

In India, the realm of internet communication now witnesses a unique battlefield termed “Satcom,” distinct from current regular networks. Both domestic and international companies vie for satellite spectrum to tap into internet access. The industry grapples with disputes over spectrum allocation methods, with factions favoring either government allocation or auctions. This heightened competition stems from an influx of diverse players, including global titans such as Elon Musk’s Starlink and Amazon, altering the landscape from the previously confined private telecom market dominated by Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea.

What is Satcom?

Satcom, short for satellite communication, utilizes satellites orbiting Earth to transmit and receive data. Unlike traditional ground-based networks, satcom bypasses the need for terrestrial infrastructure, making it a game-changer for connecting remote areas with limited to no connectivity. Think rugged mountains, dense forests, and far-flung islands – areas where laying cables and towers is simply impractical.

How does Satcom affect the lives of the average Indian citizen?

Imagine a farmer in a remote village, finally accessing real-time market information to get the best price for their crops. Picture rural students attending online classes, breaking down geographical barriers to education. This is the transformative power of Satcom. It bridges the digital divide, empowers rural communities, and brings essential services like telemedicine and disaster relief within reach.
These changes are part of India’s plan for 2047. India wants to become a Global powerhouse.

But the impact extends far beyond rural areas. Satcom offers high-speed, low-latency internet access, even in densely populated cities where terrestrial networks can buckle under pressure. This paves the way for seamless remote work, smoother video conferencing, and enhanced data connectivity for businesses. Imagine the boost to productivity and economic growth!

The transformation of the communication

The evolution of communication through the Satcom race presents an exhilarating shift in the landscape. Traditional communication systems heavily depend on intricate networks of cables and towers, vulnerable to disruptions and confined by geographic limitations. In contrast, Satcom introduces a satellite-driven substitute that promises expansive coverage, enhanced network durability, and the prospect of reduced expenses in the future. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize our means of communication fundamentally.

By leveraging satellites, Satcom can offer broader coverage, transcending geographical barriers that have constrained conventional networks. The resilience of satellite-based systems against disruptions caused by natural calamities or infrastructure issues offers a more stable communication infrastructure. Moreover, in the long run, the costs associated with satellite communication might diminish, making it a potentially more economical option.

Comparison: Regular internet Vs Satcom or satellite internet

Existing communication networks rely on a complex web of cables and towers, prone to disruptions and limited by geographical reach. Satcom offers a satellite-based alternative, providing wider coverage, improved network resilience, and potentially lower costs in the long run. This could revolutionize how we communicate, offering faster, more reliable, and potentially more affordable internet access for all.

Satellite-based internet, like Musk’s Starlink, tends to be slower and pricier compared to cable broadband. For instance, Starlink provides speeds ranging from 20-100Mbps with a monthly data limit of 1TB, priced between $90 to $250 per month. On top of that, there’s an initial installation fee ranging from $599 to $2,500 in the US, which generally has the highest rates.

However, in less wealthy countries, the costs for satellite internet might be as low as a third of the prices in the US.

Discussion over allocation and auction of Satcom.

The way the government gives satellite communication spectrum to private companies has caused a split in the industry. Some think it should be auctioned, while others prefer it to be allocated.

Big companies like Starlink, Amazon, OneWeb-Bharati, and Telesat from Canada, which works with Tata, have said that if satellite airwaves are auctioned, it would make satellite communication unworkable. They argue that this would make space broadband too expensive and stop people in rural areas from getting fast internet.

These companies say satellite spectrum is different from regular airwaves and can’t be split up for auctions. They think auctioning it would make things messy, not following the rules set by the International Telecom Union and India’s National Frequency Allocation Plan.

Some companies support the idea of allocation. They say that giving exclusive rights to specific companies would limit who can use it, stopping new companies from joining, and making the spectrum less useful. They also disagree with the idea that auctions are the only way to share spectrum, going against a 2012 Supreme Court order.

In India, Jio and VI, owned by Mukesh Ambani, want auctions. Jio wants fair rules for assigning spectrum without favoring anyone based on their network type. They criticize the method of giving out airwaves on a first-come, first-served basis, saying it’s been criticized before, even by the Supreme Court.

Because of this big argument in the industry, the government has asked the Supreme Court if it’s okay to give out airwaves without auctions for special reasons like national security or when auctions might not work well. This request comes despite rules saying that things like spectrum should be distributed through auctions.

Also, the government wants to assign spectrum without auctions for certain services like radio backhaul, in-flight and maritime connectivity, and satellite services, according to a bill introduced in Parliament. They argue that assigning spectrum isn’t just for businesses but also things like safety and disaster readiness.

However, challenges remain.

Regulatory hurdles, concerns over the environmental impact of large satellite constellations, and ensuring affordability for rural populations are all hurdles that need to be addressed.