How does direct-to-cell satcom tech work?
The technology operates via satellites that beam signals to mobile phones on earth, enabling connectivity in remote locations with inadequate ground towers, or where on-ground telecom infrastructure has been damaged by natural disasters. The satellites operate as cell towers in space and connect with smartphones trying to communicate with them. The satellites, in turn, are plugged on to each other via a laser backhaul technology.
The Global Scenario
Elon Musk’s Starlink has satellites in space that can directly beam phone signals to smartphones.
Apple Inc., too, has announced a ‘direct-to-handset emergency SOS via satellite’ feature using US satellite player Globalstar’s mobile satellite services network. The feature has been available to users of the iPhone 14 and 15 family of devices in some countries. Apple has also expanded the satellite connectivity option on iPhones with the latest operating system and users in some countries will be able to send and receive messages via satellite in case there is no terrestrial or Wi-Fi coverage.
San Diego-based smartphone chip maker Qualcomm Inc. has been exploring the feasibility of potential technology solutions like narrow-band NTN (non-terrestrial networks) that can make it possible for mobile devices to talk to satellite systems, and in turn, offer fast wireless broadband connectivity to people outside the coverage area of terrestrial networks.
India Situation: Is Direct-to-Cell satcom connectivity available?
The service is not yet available in India. Its availability will hinge on the rules and regulations around satellite connectivity. Satellite broadband services are yet to start in India as the government has not finalised the rules around the pricing methodology and terms and conditions of allocating satellite spectrum to companies keen to offer the service in India.
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Bharti Group-backed Eutelsat OneWeb and Orbit Connect India – a 51:49 joint venture between Mukesh Ambani’s Jio Platforms (JPL) and Luxembourg’s SES – are keen to provide mobile satellite services via enabled smartphones.US-based Globalstar, which provides satellite-based emergency connectivity to iPhones, also plans to enter India by setting up a wholly-owned unit and applying for requisite permits. Other global satellite biggies such as Starlink and Amazon-backed Kuiper have already applied for satellite broadband service permits and authorisations.
National space sector regulator IN-SPACe estimates India’s space economy has the potential to hit $44 billion by 2033, and account for about 8% of the global share from around 2% now.
Possible regulatory challenges
Direct-to-cell satcoms tech is at a nascent stage and currently supplementing terrestrial connectivity. But a section of the telecom industry feels that going forward, satcom services will compete with terrestrial networks, as both will be connecting mobile users directly.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) recently asked the telecom regulator, Trai, to ensure that a level-playing field exists between terrestrial mainline telcos and satellite players planning to offer fixed and mobile satellite services in India via low-earth orbit (LEO), medium earth orbit (MEO) and geostationary orbit (GEO) global satellite systems. Last month, Trai floated a discussion paper seeking views on potential pricing models and terms/conditions of allocating satellite airwaves without auctions.
