The telecom department is in discussion with the space department to set up a network of satellite for communication services across the country.
An official source informed PTI that DoT is working to set-up network of low earth orbit (LEO) satellite and medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite for telecom services. The entire expenses will be borne by the telecom ministry. Discussion in this regard has already started with Department of Space.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched 35 communications satellites till date, of which four satellites—GSAT 6A, GSAT 29, GSAT 11 and GSAT 7A —were launched in 2018.
These satellite selectively provide connectivity to different institutions and business organisations. Their services are also used for satellite phone connectivity, mobile services in islands and hilly areas, and vsat services, among others.
The official further notified that the capacity on satellites can be used by telecom operators for various kind of services specially in remote areas and places where it is difficult to build network.
Hughes India, one of the applicant for in-flight and maritime (IFMC) mobile services, has said that satellite bandwidth cost provided by the Department of Space are significantly expensive and can play a spoiler in uptake of IFMC services as these would make the facility costlier by 30-50 times at ₹700-1,000 for a two-hour journey.
