Can satellite internet bridge India's digital divide?
Satellite internet in India is posed for substantial growth, with alliances emerging between satellite operators and local telecom companies.
Satellite internet access is set to improve the lives of Indians living in remote and underdeveloped areas where traditional internet infrastructure like DSL or cable is unavailable, which reduces access to education, healthcare, and e-commerce.
Although mobile internet penetration is high, with around 876 million mobile broadband users, many of these users still experience issues with connectivity and speed.
An estimated 665 million people in India, around 45% of the population, do not access the internet, according to joint study released in February 2024 by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and Kantar, an analytics firm.
Although more and more Indian are accessing the internet, there is also a substantial digital divide, with connectivity in rural areas limited or non-existent when compared with urban areas.
India has the second-highest number of internet users worldwide.
"Satellite internet will provide quick relief to the unserved and underserved especially in rural pockets of India," said Sunil Parekh, co-founder of TechXchange, an organization supporting Indian innovation and startups.
"While satellite internet costs could be higher and speeds varying depending on the provider, video calls, education, health, and payment services can work well," he told........
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