London-based company OneWeb and the Gujarat Government's Science and Technology Department have joined hands in a significant partnership. They signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a 'Satellite Network Portal Site' in Gujarat, India. The primary goal of this portal site is to provide affordable and reliable connectivity to various sectors, including the government, offering continuous and secure satellite internet access at affordable rates nationwide.
As per IANS, under the agreement, OneWeb will set up a private 'satellite network portal site' in the Mehsana district of Gujarat. The site, strategically located in Jotana taluka, Mehsana district, aims to provide high-speed, low-latency, and affordable connectivity to the government, businesses, consumers, schools, and other institutions.
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The launch of the satellite network portal in Katosan and Tejpura, Jotana taluka, Gujarat, is scheduled for 2023, with an estimated cost of over Rs 100 crores for its Phase-1. This ambitious project is also expected to generate approximately 500 direct and indirect employment opportunities in the state, further contributing to Gujarat's economic growth.
OneWeb, known for its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology, operates a constellation of 648 satellites, aiming to establish a global communication network. Unlike traditional geostationary satellites, LEO satellites offer broadband Internet access with lower latency, resulting in efficient network services with latencies of less than 100 ms. In comparison, GEO-based networks have latencies of 500-700 ms.
OneWeb's LEO technology is already operational in Europe and Canada, providing cost-effective satellite connectivity services to mobile network operators and Internet service providers. Now, with its expansion into India, OneWeb seeks to empower the country with reliable and affordable satellite connectivity.
Very soon, we will see other players stepping into the ring as well and competing with OneWeb head-on to offer satellite internet services in India.
