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It marks a major event in extending satellite communications to everyday consumers which were earlier limited to emergency and military use
- Global initiatives such as AST SpaceMobile, Lynk Global, Constellation Global, SpaceX- Starlink are also uses D2D technology.
Working of Direct-to-Device Satellite Technology
- Principle: Satellites act as cell towers in space, bypassing the need for terrestrial cell towers as used in traditional mobile connectivity.
- It uses satellites in orbit to transmit signals directly to devices on the ground.
- Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) technology : It allows for seamless two-way communication between devices and satellites.
- BSNL uses Viasat’s Geostationary L-band satellites positioned 36,000 kilometers above which bypasses ground-based cell towers, making it ideal for remote coverage.
Significance
- Reliable connectivity: Uninterrupted internet connectivity, regardless of weather conditions.
- High-speed internet and wider coverage even in the remotest areas where cellular or Wi-Fi networks are unavailable.
- Support UPI payments: Empower people in rural or underserved regions to make digital transactions
- Emergency calls and SOS messaging: Communication in emergency situations where cellular or Wi-Fi networks are unavailable( useful for adventurers, travellers etc)
Challenges
- Latency: Ensuring minimal delay for real-time applications like voice calls and video streaming.
- Regulatory Challenges: As D2D service may cross geographical borders
- Spectrum allocation: Obtaining sufficient bandwidth for seamless satellite-to-ground communication.
- Device compatibility: Ensuring technology works across various smartphones and operating systems.
- Propagation challenges: Overcoming signal loss and interference in diverse environments
