BREAKING: INDIA'S PHONE REVOLUTION! Forget Towers, Your Mobile Will Soon Connect Directly to SPACE! 🚀

Author

Akshat Lakshkar | Whalesbook News Team

Detailed Coverage:

India's Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is developing a plan to allow mobile phones to establish direct connections with satellite communications, known as Direct-to-Device (D2D) services. The primary objective is to extend telecom connectivity universally, reaching even the most remote corners of the country where traditional cellular networks are absent. To implement this, the DoT will approach the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to seek recommendations on establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework. This framework will cover crucial aspects like pricing, spectrum allocation, and technical conditions to prevent interference with existing terrestrial networks.

Currently, such direct satellite connectivity on standard phones is not permitted in India due to the lack of a regulatory framework. However, countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia have already adopted rules to supplement phone coverage through satellite services. For instance, Elon Musk's Starlink has partnered with T-Mobile in the US to offer D2D services.

Indian telecom operators have expressed concerns, viewing D2D services as a potential threat to their business models and are advocating for satellite firms to adhere to similar regulatory conditions. While companies like Nelco and BSNL currently offer limited satellite communication services, broader adoption is expected with players like Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb, Amazon Kuiper, and Jio Satellite entering the market. These new entrants will initially be limited to fixed satellite services requiring dedicated terminals. However, D2D services will bypass the need for satellite terminals, connecting directly to mobile phones and are anticipated to be more affordable for consumers.

Experts predict that D2D services will gain significant traction globally, especially after the International Telecom Union (ITU) identifies dedicated spectrum bands for them at the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27) in late 2027.

Impact This development has the potential to significantly disrupt India's telecommunications landscape. It promises to enhance digital inclusion by bringing connectivity to underserved areas, thereby fostering economic growth and improving access to essential services. For existing telecom operators, it presents a new competitive challenge, potentially affecting their market share and revenue streams. The news could also drive investment and innovation in the satellite communication sector, creating new business opportunities. Rating: 8/10.

Difficult terms:

D2D (Direct-to-Device): A service that allows mobile phones to connect directly to satellite signals without the need for external hardware like satellite dishes or special terminals.

Satcom (Satellite Communications): Communication systems that utilize artificial satellites orbiting Earth to relay signals for telephone, internet, or broadcasting.

TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India): The statutory body responsible for regulating the telecommunications sector in India, ensuring fair competition and consumer interests.

IMT (International Mobile Telecommunications): Refers to mobile telecommunication systems and the associated radio frequency bands that are harmonized globally.

Terrestrial networks: Communication networks that operate on the Earth's surface, such as traditional mobile phone towers and land-based internet infrastructure.

Satellite terminals: Devices such as satellite dishes or modems that are required to establish a connection with satellites for specific services.

WRC-27 (World Radiocommunication Conference 2027): A United Nations conference where countries negotiate and allocate radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits for international use.

Spectrum bands: Specific ranges of radio frequencies designated for various wireless communication services, like mobile phones or satellite communication.