Why in news?
Elon Musk’s Starlink and other providers announced plans to offer satellite‑based internet services in India. The proposal promises to bridge connectivity gaps but raises questions about regulation and indigenous capacity.
What is satellite internet?
Satellite internet delivers data via satellites orbiting the Earth rather than through ground‑based cables. A typical system has three components: satellites in space, ground stations connected to the broader internet and user terminals (dishes or modems).
Why it is needed
- Reach: It provides broadband access to remote villages, islands and mountainous areas where laying fibre is expensive or impractical.
- Resilience: It can quickly restore communication after natural disasters that damage terrestrial networks.
- Mobility: Ships, aircraft and defence units on the move can maintain secure communications.
- Strategic value: High‑altitude conflict zones like Siachen require dependable, secure links.
How it works
- Space segment: Satellites receive signals from users, relay them to other satellites or to ground gateways and send back the requested data. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites used by systems like Starlink orbit at altitudes below 2,000 km, reducing signal delay.
- Ground segment: User terminals, which can be fixed or portable, communicate with the satellites. Ground stations connect the constellation to the global internet.
- Seamless handover: As LEO satellites move quickly across the sky, user connections are automatically handed over from one satellite to another to maintain continuous service.
Benefits and challenges
Satellite internet promises global coverage, rapid deployment and dual use for civilians and defence. However, deploying mega‑constellations of thousands of satellites raises concerns about space debris, spectrum allocation and national security. India needs a clear regulatory framework and must strengthen its own space‑based communication capabilities.