Broadband Services under Satellite Broadband Service (SBS)
Recently there has been increased competition for providing comprehensive satellite broadband services in India.
The demand for satellite based broadband connectivity is increasing in India. This is because companies like Jio, OneWeb, Hughes and Tata-backed Nelco are gearing up to provide these services.
Under Satellite Broadband Service (SBS), broadband services are provided directly through artificial satellites rather than through optical fiber or mobile networks.
Recently, the following two major developments have taken place in the global satellite communications sector:
- Rise of LEO (Low-Earth Orbit Group): It provides global coverage and low-latency service; And
- HTS (High Throughput Satellite Service): It offers unprecedented capability and flexibility.
In September 2022, satellite internet service provider Hughes Communications India (HCI) launched India’s first HTS broadband service powered by ISRO’s satellites.
Benefits of satellite broadband service-
- It provides Internet services in remote areas where terrestrial networks cannot be established.
- It can be installed immediately,
- Communication service can be provided in spite of the challenges posed by remote locations, inaccessible locations, harsh weather and terrestrial constraints.
Challenges related to satellite broadband service-
- Satellite Internet latency can affect real-time applications such as video chat.
- Satellite data transfer can provide slow Internet speeds and limited satellite bandwidth. This is because the signal has to travel a longer distance.
- The surrounding environment, message size, and satellite network status and availability can also affect connection times.
Source – The Hindu
