How does satellite internet work?

Context and Relevance

• Digital Connectivity as a Necessity:
  • Increasing dependence on internet across civilian, commercial, and military domains.
  • Rising demand for high-reliability, high-coverage networks not limited by geography.
• India-Specific Trigger:
  • Starlink’s imminent entry expected to transform internet infrastructure and policy frameworks.
  • Potential to bridge digital divide in rural and remote India.

Relevance : GS 3(Science and Technology)

Why Satellite Internet? – Limitations of Ground Networks

• Ground-based networks (fibre/cellular):
  • Economically viable only in dense urban areas; costly in sparsely populated terrain.
  • Vulnerable to natural disasters (e.g., floods, earthquakes) disrupting physical infrastructure.
  • Limited ability for on-the-move connectivity (aircraft, ships, temporary military bases).
• Satellite internet advantages:
  • Global coverage, terrain-independent.
  • Rapid deployment in emergencies and sudden demand surges.
  • Operates in isolated environments (offshore rigs, polar stations, glaciers).
  • Dual-use potential — both civilian and military applications.

Technical Architecture

• Network Segments:
  • Space Segment: Satellites carrying communication payloads.
  • Ground Segment: User terminals, ground stations, control centres.
• Satellite Types by Orbit:
  • GEO (35,786 km):
    • Large coverage (~1/3 Earth) but high latency (signal delay).
    • Suitable for TV broadcasting, not for real-time operations.
    • Example: Viasat Global Xpress.
  • MEO (2,000–35,786 km):
    • Medium latency, moderate coverage.
    • Example: O3b (20 satellites).
    • Lower latency than GEO but still not optimal for high-speed gaming or trading.
  • LEO (<2,000 km):
    • Very low latency, smaller coverage footprint → requires mega-constellations.
    • Example: Starlink (>7,000 satellites in orbit, plans for 42,000).
    • Smaller, cheaper satellites with faster deployment cycles.

Mega-Constellations – Starlink’s Model

• Features:
  • Hundreds/thousands of small LEO satellites interconnected via optical inter-satellite links.
  • On-board signal processing → reduces ground dependency and latency.
  • Seamless hand-off between satellites ensures continuous coverage despite high orbital speeds (~27,000 km/h).
  • User Terminals: Compact, self-installable, and becoming increasingly affordable.
• Operational Advantage:
  • Enables “internet in the sky” routing data globally without touching national ground stations (strategic implications).

Real-World Applications & Case Studies

• Disaster Response:
  • Hurricane Harvey (2017) – Viasat provided emergency communications when 70% of cell towers failed.
• Military Operations:
  • Ukraine war – Starlink used for troop coordination, drone ops, and anti-jamming communication.
  • Indian Army – Used in Siachen Glacier for high-altitude operational readiness.
• Security Risks:
  • Borderless nature allows illicit use — Indian agencies have seized smuggled Starlink devices from insurgents and smugglers.

Sectoral Impact

• Civilian & Economic Uses:
  • Rural broadband, telemedicine, e-learning, precision agriculture, smart cities, logistics.
  • Integration with Internet of Everything (IoE) and autonomous transport.
• Strategic & Military Uses:
  • Secure communications in remote theatres, rapid-deploy forces, unmanned systems (drones, naval vessels).
  • Strategic intelligence networks independent of terrestrial vulnerability.

Security & Regulatory Challenges

• Dual-Use Nature: Same infrastructure can serve humanitarian missions or hostile groups.
• Jurisdictional Complexity: Cross-border coverage bypasses national controls.
• Spectrum & Orbital Slot Management: Potential for space congestion and signal interference.
• Cybersecurity: Vulnerability to satellite hacking, spoofing, or jamming.

Cost Considerations

• Current Pricing:
  • User terminal ≈ $500 (~₹41,000).
  • Monthly subscription ≈ $50 (~₹4,100).
• Market Implication:
  • Higher than terrestrial broadband → niche for remote areas and mission-critical industries.
  • Future direct-to-smartphone integration could drastically reduce barriers.

Policy & Strategic Implications for India

• Opportunities:
  • Bridge rural-urban connectivity gap.
  • Boost national disaster resilience.
  • Enhance military communication independence.
• Risks:
  • Security misuse by insurgents or cross-border elements.
  • Strategic dependency on foreign-operated constellations.
• Required Measures:
  • Formulate a national satellite internet policy integrated into Digital India and defence doctrines.
  • Encourage domestic satellite constellations (ISRO/privates) to reduce foreign dependency.
  • Strengthen cyber and space law frameworks.
  • Engage in international governance on orbital management and mega-constellation norms.

Strategic Outlook

• Satellite internet is shifting from backup connectivity to strategic infrastructure.
• Control over satellite constellations is emerging as a geopolitical power lever.
• For India, the priority is a balanced approach: harness benefits for economic growth and defence, while safeguarding sovereignty and security.