The skies over India may soon offer seamless internet connectivity, thanks to a new partnership between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and global satellite communications leader Viasat. Despite India allowing in-flight internet services only a few years ago, connectivity in the air remains limited. However, this is set to change with the planned launch of ISRO’s most advanced satellite, GSAT-20, by the end of this year.
GSAT-20, a high throughput satellite currently under construction at the UR Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru, will be a significant leap forward in communication technology. Unlike traditional satellites, high throughput satellites can transmit data at much higher rates, making them ideal for providing reliable internet access. A fifth of GSAT-20’s capacity is being reserved specifically for in-flight internet, addressing a critical gap in India’s aviation sector.
Viasat, a California-based communications company with a robust presence in India, is poised to play a crucial role in this initiative. The company already provides essential connectivity services to the Indian armed forces and other sectors, and is now turning its focus to bridging the “big internet hole over India,” where domestic flights lose connectivity once they take off.
Mark Dankberg, Chairman and CEO of Viasat, sees this collaboration as a win-win situation. “ISRO‘s GSAT-20 satellite will help give in-flight internet connectivity, and Viasat looks to cooperate in this win-win combination,” Dankberg told NDTV, emphasizing the importance of this partnership.
Viasat’s ambitions in India extend beyond in-flight connectivity. The company aims to reach remote and underserved areas across the country, continuing its mission to “reach the unreached.” K Guru Gowrappan, President of Viasat, highlighted the opportunity to connect 1.4 billion Indians, leveraging the company’s strong legacy in the Indian defense sector.
“Reaching the unreached is a big push by Viasat,” Gowrappan said. “Viasat has a good legacy in India on the defense side, and now connecting 1.4 billion Indians is a big opportunity for Viasat.”
To launch the GSAT-20, India has opted to use SpaceX’s Falcon-9 rocket, as the satellite’s weight of 4,700 kg exceeds the capacity of India’s Launch Vehicle Mark-3, also known as the “Bahubali rocket,” to place it into a geostationary orbit. This decision underscores the collaborative nature of global space efforts.
India’s role as a leading space power is further cemented by Viasat’s recent acquisition of Inmarsat, a specialist in providing connectivity in the high seas, which strengthens the Indian Navy’s communication capabilities. Dankberg also hinted at future possibilities, suggesting that Viasat might consider manufacturing satellites in India for the global market, leveraging the country’s reputation for cost-effective and reliable technology.
As India prepares to launch GSAT-20, the collaboration with Viasat marks a significant step towards ensuring uninterrupted in-flight internet connectivity and expanding digital reach across the nation. This development is poised to revolutionize air travel in India, providing passengers with the connectivity they’ve long awaited.
