NEW DELHI: A total of sixteen vans are traveling to 34 districts of nine states to introduce one million citizens (10 lakh) to services only possible via interplay of Satellite Technology along with other existing Broadband technologies, such as optical fibre, mobile, cable, etc. The vans were flagged off by Communications and Information Technology minister Ravi Shankar Prasad last week as part of the Digital India Outreach Campaign.
The Broadband India Forum (BIF) has acknowledged Government efforts to deliver connectivity and Broadband to remote and difficult-to-access parts of India.
The 2nd International India Satcom -2016 summit organized by the Forum on 7 June is aimed at showcasing the scope of catalysing achievement of socio-economic objectives with the use of innovations in Satellite Communications technology.
Inviting the delegates to the meet, Forum President TV Ramachandran said: “Digital India, Make in India and Broadband for All will require integration of many parallel technologies that have high potential but are less understood, such as Satellite Communication (Satcom), to achieve a dream that’s close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s heart. Integration will expedite penetration of affordable Broadband in India, particularly in remote, rural regions. BIF has always propagated enhancement and integration of new technologies that can expedite penetration of affordable Broadband in India to complement other Broadband technologies, such as optical fibre, mobile, cable, etc. Our objective through this summit is to bring all Broadband technology players on board to support the Digital India initiative.”
The meet is focusing on the theme ‘Broadband for All using NextGen Satellite Technologies’. Dr.Jitendra Singh, minister of State for the Ministry of Development of North East Region, Prime Minister Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space is the Chief Guest.
The event is supported by The Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY), C and IT Ministry.
BIF said sector reforms are expected to bring in FDI worth $2-5 billion over the next decade. Liberalisation and reforms of satellite communication policy harbours potential for successful deployment of Broadband under Digital India for all 2,50,000 Gram panchayats in just 12 to 18 months.
The summit will witness deliberations on the viability of Satellite Communications for Digital India and possible Next Gen Satcom Innovation & Applications by senior members from the Government, including DoT, TRAI, DoS, Niti Aayog, Dept. of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP), DeitY and Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) departments and representatives from Leading Satellite Operators, VSAT Service Providers, Telecom Service Providers, Internet Service Providers, Technology Providers, VSAT Manufacturers, Cable Service Providers, User Organisations (Banks, Oil & Gas, Defence, Security Forces etc), DTH Service Providers, and other allied Industries.
