‘India SatCom 2021’, the 7th edition of Broadband India Forum’s (BIF) annual flagship event, wrapped up day-two of the two day virtual event.
The eminent speakers shared their views in the first session on ‘modern satcom technologies and consumer benefits’. The session focused on how the latest policy and regulatory provisions have enabled positioning of satcom as a viable, mainstream technology option for delivering efficient and cost competitive broadband services everywhere and to everyone in a ubiquitous manner. The implications of a liberalised approach and enhanced applicability of satcom for future networks were also discussed, especially with the expected imminent ecosystem of converged technologies and verticals going forward. 5G for example, will be integral to the use of internet of things (IoT) applications, industry 4.0, etc. for augmenting efficiencies, performance and productivity, in a multitude of sectors. Satcom will play the major role in providing both connectivity as well as backhaul services to the networks for these sectors.
The next session explored the ‘complementary role of satcom to help achieve broadband for all’, delving into the aspects of need for satellite broadband to provide ubiquitous internet connectivity across the length and breadth of the country, issues pertaining to satcom’s enhanced capabilities and how it can complement other technologies to facilitate a robust blend of all communications technologies in creating a cohesive and widespread pan-India network, to cater to the connectivity needs of the people. With its suite of technology advancements and ensuing integration into global standards for 5G, satcom can help in proliferation of 5G in geographically challenged terrains, remote and far flung rural areas.
Thereafter, the sessions explored the relevant and critical policy and regulatory issues in regard to strengthening and enhancing the satcom vertical in the country, to help achieve the desired national goals of ‘Digital India’ and ‘Broadband for All’.
Sharing his views, TV Ramachandran, BIF president, said, “The modernisation of satcom specifications by TEC, in conjunction with a general policy regime of a liberalised satellite communications, expected through the forthcoming Spacecom Policy, will lend a cost-effective and reliable means to facilitate digital inclusivity and will help bridge the country’s digital divide in a much more efficient manner. An enabling light-touch policy & regulatory framework accompanied by use of the latest state-of-the-art satcom technologies will ultimately serve the purpose of empowering and benefitting the consumers the most, through improved ubiquitous coverage and augmented capacity along with reliability and resilience. The growing demand for quality data connectivity and its ubiquitous availability across the entire nation clearly underlines the importance of augmenting and utilising this most potent and effective media for delivering broadband to the masses.”
