UK Space Agency supports Satellite broadband services

UK space agency is of the opinion that the participation of Satellite broadband is crucial to bring internet access to the rural areas. By providing connections to areas not accessible through mobile and fixed broadband networks Satellite broadband help the country in successfully and effectively competing with foreign markets. This report is by Satellite Broadband Steering group (SBSG) formed in 2010 with members from Ofcom, TalkTalk, BT etc. They have observed that the latest Ka-band spectrum is 20 to 30 times superior to the existing Ku band in the broadband technology. David Willetts, minister for universities and science and co-chairman of Space Leadership Council is of the view that various sectors of the economy of the country depend on the space telecom sector. With the introduction of ‘next-generation’ satellite broadband services by companies including Avanti Communication, whose Hylas-1 satellite system was in operation in November last, the challenge of catering to the remotest areas can be successfully met. However chairman of SBSG Lowry Stanage feels that it is for the market to determine how successful the services are, both nationally and internationally. Eutelsat is offering satellite services since last month. The company had launched their KaSat satellite on the Boxing Day. In the meantime ViaSat of North America has managed to have around half a million customers in the USA for its satellite services.