What is a Satellite ISP and How Does it Work?

In today’s world, where information is just a click away from us. With the internet, people are connecting with the world through various platforms on the internet. There are multiple ways available to access the Internet and some of these are wired (fibre optics, cable, DSK), wireless (mobile broadband, fixed wireless), other options include public Wi-Fi and community networks. 

Similarly, there is a new way to access the internet the Satellite Internet, in this the internet connection reaches you from a satellite. This is a way to connect businesses and power users and allows you to connect with the internet where you expected it the least. Streaming, video calls, online gaming, and remote work is now possible in remote locations, and it is possible due to the advanced internet system. If you are wondering how the satellite ISP works, and how it is better than the available options, then read the complete article.

What is Satellite Internet?

The process of satellite ISP includes data transmission between a satellite dish, a satellite modem, and a satellite that orbits the Earth. However, your satellite dish must be positioned on your roof or in an open area that has an unrestricted view of the sky.

Now, you connect your satellite modem to the dish and computer or router. The satellite acts as a middleman between your dish and the ISP's ground station, which connects the internet backbone. Check the image to know how “Satellite ISP works.”

Starlink: The New Satellite Internet Service Provider

Elon Musk’s company, Starlink is set to provide internet services in India, after clearing the regulatory hurdles. It is the third largest satellite ISP provider after Jio and OneWeb Secure. 

Starlink is a satellite internet constellation and its goal is to provide the most reliable, high-quality, and cost-effective products and services. The company states that it provides high-speed internet, that is available almost anywhere on Earth.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) may issue a letter of intent to Starlink, by the end of the month. As per the Wionews, the recent clarification to the Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade (DPIIT) has cleared the way of approval.

Top Satellite Communication Companies 

The top Satellite Communication Companies in India are:

• Tata Communications
• OneWeb
• Bharti Airtel Limited
• ViaSat Inc.
• Nelco
• Hughes Communications India Ltd.

In India, the Internet Service Provider (ISP) license and Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) license are two authorities that grant permission to regulatory bodies. Each has different aspects of communication services.

ISP License

• Scope: This license is for internet services and is provided to businesses to offer internet connectivity, bandwidth, and other related services to the users.
• Infrastructure: it connects with physical elements like fibre optic cables, satellite technology, and other equipment.
• Services: This offers services such as email hosting, domain registration, web hosting, security solutions, virtual private networks (VPNs) and others.

GMPCS License

• Scope: The license focuses on satellite-based mobile communication services on a global scale. Through this license, businesses can offer mobile communication services through satellite technology as well. 
• Infrastructure: It enables communication in areas where the traditional terrestrial networks are unavailable or impractical.
• Services: It covers voice and message services, data services, information services, and mobile voice and data communication services delivered through satellite connections. 

Benefits

The satellite internet offers multiple benefits to users and businesses through advanced. Below are several benefits and these are as follows:

• Global Coverage: This is accessible in remote and rural areas, it can provide connectivity across any point in the globe, including those areas where the cables cannot reach. As it is independent of ground infrastructure, it can reach the areas that other ISPs can’t access. 
• Speed: the satellite provides a network anywhere in the world at speeds of several megabits. This is over large distances such as oceans and entire continents, which can be covered with a single satellite easily. For instance, this network works best for the offshore oil sector.
• Infrastructure: The installation of internet services requires a high investment of time and money. On the other hand, the satellite internet does not need a complex infrastructure for its operations which reduces high costs.

Challenges and Drawbacks

The biggest benefit of satellite internet is that it allows ISPs to provide internet service in remote areas. Other than the benefits, several limitations or challenges affect the user experience and make it less suitable for some applications. Let’s understand, what can be the possible drawbacks.

• Dependency on Weather: The satellite can be impacted by the changes in the atmosphere and weather. However, new satellites are designed to be more resilient to weather impacts.
• Latency: This is a main obstacle, the time information takes from a satellite. However, the small delay that satellite internet users experience refers to the time in which the transfer begins.
• Data Caps: This internet is not completely commercial yet, meaning there is not enough infrastructure to support similar usage as terrestrial broadband. This is because many providers currently have data caps which can be costly.

How to Become the Satellite Internet Provider in India?

In November 2023, Jio Satellite Communications and OneWeb received the licenses from government to provide broadband services. The DoT has already granted the GMPCS license to both to offer the satellite-based broadband service in India. However, the ISP license will allow the firms to provide broadband services to the end users. 

The OneWeb get the ISP A (national area) license from the different categories of ISP licenses. And the Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) license. After obtaining the GMPCS and ISP licenses, Jio Satellite and OneWeb are commercially deploying their satellite-based internet services. Now the final step only requires clarity on the allotment of the satellite spectrum.

To become a satellite internet provider, you need to obtain an ISP license and a GMPCS license. It requires you to follow the application process, and documentation, and also comply with the legal requirements.

Conclusion

The satellite ISP in India is a new way to access the internet. It provides network services in every corner of the world. The process includes a satellite internet connection reaching you from a satellite, in simple words, it means, that the satellite sends a signal to your internet provider and then to your device.

If you are looking to obtain an Internet Service Provider License, then reach out to Registrationwala. We assist you in the complete application process, from application to finally getting the license.

Author: Dushyant Sharma

Hey there, I'm Dushyant Sharma. With the extensive knowledge I've gained in past 8 years, I have been creating content on various subjects such as banking, insurance, telecom, and all the important registration and licensing processes for various companies. I'm here to help everyone with my expertise in these areas through my articles.