Government must use satellite technology for Digital India initiative: TV Ramachandran

June 6, 2016

Satellite communication could provide the missing link in the government's Digital India program to offer high speed broadband connectivity for all by speeding up access in rural and hard to reach terrain, according to industry body Broadband India Forum.

"Satellite communication is readily available in India, and about 10 gigabyte capacity is already available all over India. There is a myth that there is shortage. There is a lot of capacity available, and much more can be quickly brought into play," T V Ramachandran, president of the Broadband India Forum, told ET.

The rollout of high speed broadband, especially in rural areas, is largely dependent on BharatNet (previously National Optical Fibre Network), but given practical issues, it is moving at a slow pace. It is here that technologies such as satellite communication can complement traditional fibre technology, said the forum that has representation from several industries including telecom service providers, technology providers, and satellite & VSAT service providers.