Telecom Secretary Anshu Prakash said that telecom department's apex body the Digital Communications Commission (DCC) has cleared a provision of using satellite connectivity in telecom networks to provide services in remote areas where it is difficult to lay optical fibre network. He said the DCC has also cleared the Request for Proposal for the rollout of BharatNet project for broadband services in villages in 16 states in public private partnership mode with viability gap funding of Rs 19,041 crore.
Telecom Secretary has stated that with a view of ease of doing business, the DCC has approved provision of cellular backhaul connectivity via satellite through VSAT (very-small-aperture terminal) for telecom services as per Trai recommendation. He said this will help telecom companies in providing service in far flung areas where it is difficult to lay optical fibre.
He also noted that the decision will allow commercial VSAT CUG (closed user group) service providers to provide backhaul connectivity for cellular mobile services through satellite using VSAT to the telecom operators. This will help telecom operators in connecting their mobile towers in tough terrains by using satellite services through VSAT (very-small-aperture terminal) system.