Satellite Connectivity: The Magic Bullet for Remote Areas

Sunil Mittal, Bharti Chairman, emphasized satellite communications as a solution for unconnected areas, noting two billion globally lack internet access. In India, 5% remain unconnected, especially in remote regions. A standoff over spectrum allocation features giants like Elon Musk and Mukesh Ambani.

Satellite communications could bridge the digital divide in hard-to-reach areas, according to Bharti Chairman Sunil Mittal. Speaking at the NDTV World Summit, Mittal highlighted the potential of satellites to connect the nearly two billion people currently without internet access, including in remote Indian regions.

Mittal pointed out that while India provides high-quality internet to 95% of its population, 5% remain unconnected in areas covering 25% of the country's land. Satellite connectivity is the optimal solution for these challenging landscapes, he stated, with ground stations in Mehsana and Pondicherry poised for operation.

The debate intensifies as industry leaders like Elon Musk's Starlink advocate for administrative spectrum allocation, contrasting with Mukesh Ambani's call for auctions to maintain fairness with legacy networks. The Indian government leans towards administrative allocation, adding complexity to this sector's evolution.

(With inputs from agencies.)