Satellite communications networks saying “good bye”

In the communications networking sector, optical fibre is fast replacing satellite communications networks. During the bygone days, satellite communications networks was the most popular one in the communications sector and currently with the emergence of fibre communication networks, the good old system is on the verge of disappearance.

The communications providers in the UK are of the opinion that the broadband officials are neglecting satellite communication network which is a good option for broadband service in the remote regions. In fact, the Government in the UK wants to provide all homes in the country with a minimum broadband speed of 2 Mbps. At the same time service providers and local authorities are not in a position to expand the 530 million budget. The broadband officials believe that 4G services will fill the gap of communications services.

The less availability and higher data cost is that matters and it makes it necessary to depend on alternative technologies to fill the gaps where fibre projects are not feasible. Satellite broadband could be used in those areas where fibre projects are not successful but the satellite broadband is being ignored. This being the position all over the world, the government officers in the UK are focusing more and more on the major operators for their big rollouts.

The vice president of Hughes Network System, a satellite equipment provider, Chris O’Dell revealed that the high officials of big operators like BT and Fujitsu are discussing matters regarding rollout and problems, at a forum held in Westminister. In the month of August, Ofcom, the regulator commented that despite all these efforts, about 14% of the UK homes are not getting broadband speeds of 2Mbps. He continued that by using satellite communication 100% coverage could be attained. Download speeds of 10 Mbps and an upload speeds of 2 Mbps could be provided by Ka band with no disturbances or fibre rollouts.

One of the reasons for the neglect of satellite communication is its high expense. The services of satellite networks are of higher costs, depending on usage. The users will get packages around 20 Pounds for the lower ones and 40 Pounds for 10 Mbps download depending on service providers. When compared to price of fixed-line this is higher and the users will not get the above speeds for the fixed-line connections. While the UK government is ignoring satellite services, other European countries are promoting its use by granting subsidies for installations. At present only in the Wales, Cornwall and Kent satellite projects are in use in the UK.