According to president, Broadband India Forum (BIF), India has a digital connectivity opportunity worth around Rs 1 trillion, which could largely be addressed through satellite communication (satcom) services. As per him, an analysis of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) data indicates that around 500 million or more people in rural India remain without broadband connectivity.
He noted that around 60-70 per cent of India’s population depends on agriculture, while extending terrestrial networks to agricultural fields remains commercially challenging. Satcom could help bridge this gap by providing connectivity to rural areas and supporting private enterprises, he added.
Additionally, Department of Telecommunications (DoT) member (Finance) said the future of telecom networks would not be a choice between satellite and terrestrial connectivity, but an integrated communication ecosystem combining fibre, mobile, Wi-Fi and satellite networks.
Further, he mentioned that satellite connectivity could support digital infrastructure across sectors including schools, healthcare, agriculture, logistics, aviation, maritime services, critical infrastructure and disaster management, while reaching communities that conventional networks may struggle to serve.
He added that the DoT is working with the department of Space, Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre and other stakeholders to advance satellite-based digital connectivity.