Tech Telecom

Pulling out a 20-inch globe from underneath her office table, “here”, she said, pointing to India on the surface of the globe. “Not only India, but the entire belt of developing nations will have high-speed internet after the launch of our satellite,” said Neha Satak, CEO, Astrome Technologies.

The startup will launch 150 satellites into space by 2020 providing high-speed affordable internet to remote locations across the world.

“We are working on the prototype of the first satellite which will be unveiled to the public in December,” Satak said.

What Satak characterised as “the developing nation belt” includes Pakistan, Afghanistan, Indonesia, Middle East, Africa, and parts of Mexico; all of which would be powered with 50-400 Mbps speeds. The working principle is similar to that of our home DTH television. The user simply has to install a set-top box and an antenna at his/her rooftop to avail the satellite internet service. About 150 satellites weighing 120 kg each would be orbiting the earth taking turns in beaming the internet down from the sky. Thus forming a network in space.

With the first satellite scheduled for launch in 2018, Astrome is currently in talks with different segments of the markets to provide its internet service. However, “launching the satellite and testing it will be our top priority,” said Prasad HL Bhat, CTO, Astrome Technologies.

“Once the network is operational, all the stakeholders from Education to healthcare can make use of the solution,” Satak said. Asked about the feasibility of satellite internet, Dr. KT Alex, former Director of ISRO Satellite Centre Bangalore said, “The concept of providing internet from space is viable, however manufacturing satellites costs a lot of money. Once you have the money for investment it is possible”.

US-based Satellite TV broadcaster, ViaSat recently set up an R&D facility in Chennai to work on satellite internet in India, confirmed Sathya Narayanaswamy, VP ViaSat India. One among the pioneers in the field of satellite internet, Viasat currently holds the Guinness record for launching the highest capacity communication satellite in the world (140 Gbps).

ViaSat’s vision is to launch three high capacity satellites: Viasat-1, Viasat-2, and Viasat-3 and thereby enable high-speed internet for the entire world. “We serve around 700k subscribers – and can’t add any more because the satellite is full,” said Heather Ferrante, spokesperson of Viasat, adding that with the launch of Viasat-2 and -3 they are confident of addressing the larger market by 2019.