{"id":67366,"date":"2026-02-23T18:58:36","date_gmt":"2026-02-23T13:28:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/?p=67366"},"modified":"2026-02-23T19:01:38","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T13:31:38","slug":"india-satellite-based-communication","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/current-affairs\/23-02-2026\/india-satellite-based-communication","title":{"rendered":"Satellite-Based Communication in India and Emerging Threats\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS2\/Governance; GS3\/Science and Tech\/Internal Security&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>In News<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Recently, Security agencies have raised alarms over the illegal use of satellite communication devices in Indian waters, citing potential national security threats.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In an era defined by digital connectivity, terrestrial networks (fiber optics, mobile towers) often face limitations due to difficult geographical terrains and vulnerability to natural disasters.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Satellite-Based Communication (SATCOM)<\/strong> has emerged as the critical infrastructure bridging these gaps.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For a vast and diverse nation like India, SATCOM is not just a technological convenience but a strategic necessity, underpinning disaster management, remote connectivity, tele-education, and national security.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is Satellite-Based Communication?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Satellite communication involves the use of artificial satellites in orbit around the Earth to relay radio signals between different points on the ground.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The satellite acts as a &#8220;mirror in the sky,&#8221; receiving signals from one earth station, amplifying them, and re-transmitting them to another earth station or user terminals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How it Works: The Mechanism<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Uplink: <\/strong>A ground station (earth station) transmits a signal (carrying voice, data, or video) up to the satellite.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Transponding: <\/strong>The satellite receives the signal. Its onboard equipment, called a transponder, shifts the signal&#8217;s frequency (to avoid interference between incoming and outgoing signals) and amplifies it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Downlink:<\/strong> The satellite re-transmits the amplified signal back down to Earth, over a specific geographical area known as its &#8220;footprint.&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reception:<\/strong> Receiving dishes on the ground (like DTH antennas or VSAT terminals) capture the signal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-dominant-color=\"eeeeee\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #eeeeee;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"351\" height=\"193\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-123.png\" alt=\"mechanism\" class=\"not-transparent wp-image-67367\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-123.png 351w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-123-300x165.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 351px) 100vw, 351px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Satellite-Based Communication in India Current Status<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>India has over <strong>1 billion internet subscribers<\/strong>, yet rural penetration remains limited (about 46 per 100 people).\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Satellite internet is being positioned as a solution to bridge this digital divide.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The government has allowed<strong> 100% FDI in satellite internet services<\/strong>, enabling private participation alongside ISRO.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>India is <strong>moving towards LEO (Low Earth Orbit) and MEO (Medium Earth Orbit) satellite systems<\/strong>, which provide faster and more reliable broadband compared to traditional GEO satellites.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Global players like SpaceX (Starlink) and Eutelsat OneWeb (backed by India&#8217;s Bharti Enterprises)<\/strong> are vying to enter the Indian broadband market using LEO constellations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Advantages of SATCOM for India<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Digital Inclusion:<\/strong> Satellite communication can connect remote villages, border areas, and disaster-prone regions where fiber networks are unfeasible.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>National Security: <\/strong>Secure satellite communication is vital for defense, maritime safety, and disaster response.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Economic Growth<\/strong>: Expanding connectivity supports e-governance, online education, telemedicine, and digital commerce.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strategic Autonomy: <\/strong>Indigenous satellite systems reduce dependence on foreign operators and enhance India\u2019s global standing in space technology.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Issues and Challenges<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Security Concerns<\/strong>: Illegal use of satellite phones in Indian waters has raised alarms, as they can bypass monitoring systems and pose risks to national security.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>High Costs:<\/strong> Satellite internet remains expensive compared to terrestrial broadband, limiting affordability for rural populations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Regulatory Barriers: <\/strong>Licensing, spectrum allocation, and coordination with international operators require streamlined policies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Technical Limitations<\/strong>: Weather disruptions, latency issues (though reduced in LEO\/MEO systems), and infrastructure for ground stations remain challenges.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Geopolitical Dependencies<\/strong>: Reliance on foreign-owned LEO constellations for critical national infrastructure could be risky during diplomatic tensions or conflicts, as services could be denied.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fff2cc\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p><strong>Government Steps<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Security Measures: <\/strong>\u00a0The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has proposed stricter penalties to curb the unauthorised use of satellite phones and messaging devices, including Zoleo devices linked to Iridium systems.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>While Iridium-based equipment is permitted solely for distress and safety communications under the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), Thuraya devices remain banned.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Personal devices must be declared and sealed by authorities.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Space Sector Reforms: <\/strong>In 2020, the Government introduced Space Sector Reforms to open the doors for private sector participation in space activities. Building on this momentum, the Indian Space Policy, 2023 established a level playing field for Non-Government Entities (NGEs) in the space sector by enabling their participation across the entire value chain of space activities in an end-to-end manner.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>ISRO partnering with private firms for satellite launches and communication payloads.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Indian National Space Promotion &amp; Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe): <\/strong>It plays a pivotal role in enabling satellite internet in India. It is responsible for promoting, authorizing and supervising various space activities of the non-governmental entities (NGEs).\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>This nodal agency acts as an interface between ISRO and NGEs, facilitating the growth of space-based activities including the use of India\u2019s satellite resources for broadband connectivity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Source :<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/security-agencies-alert-on-illegal-use-of-satellite-phones-in-indian-waters\/article70663087.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TH<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><strong> In News <\/strong><\/p>\n<li class=\"ms-5\"> Recently, Security agencies have raised alarms over the illegal use of satellite communication devices in Indian waters, citing potential national security threats. <\/li>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><strong> About <\/strong><\/p>\n<li class=\"ms-5\"> In an era defined by digital connectivity, terrestrial networks (fiber optics, mobile towers) often face limitations due to difficult geographical terrains and vulnerability to natural disasters.\u00a0 <\/li>\n<li class=\"ms-5\"> Satellite-Based Communication (SATCOM) has emerged as the critical infrastructure bridging these gaps.\u00a0 <\/li>\n<p><a href=\" https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/current-affairs\/23-02-2026\/india-satellite-based-communication \" class=\"btn btn-primary btn-sm float-end\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-67366","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-current-affairs"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67366","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=67366"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67366\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":67373,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67366\/revisions\/67373"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=67366"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=67366"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=67366"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}