Apurva Chandra said that broadcasting channels in India use 592 foreign satellites and 366 Indian satellites for uplinking and downlinking.

I&B Secretary said, “LEO satellites are used for broadcasting and satellite communications will be critical to expand broadcasting either through broadband or data. Cost effectiveness will be key to the success of satellite communication.”

Speaking at the India Space Congress 2022, organised by SIA-India Apurva Chandra, Secretary – I&B, said, “The Ministry is going to deregulate uplinking for satellites in the new Uplinking-Downlinking Guidelines slated to be released soon.This will make India an uplinking hub for neighbouring countries.”

Apurva Chandra said that broadcasting channels in India use 592 foreign satellites and 366 Indian satellites for uplinking and downlinking and “$102 million has been paid as remittance to foreign satellite companies. 

Stressing on SatCom being the key player in broadband, the I&B Secretary said, “LEO satellites are used for broadcasting and satellite communications will be critical to expand broadcasting either through broadband or data. Cost effectiveness will be key to the success of satellite communication.”

Satellite communications play a pivotal role in enabling and enhancing healthcare in the country and especially in remote areas. 

Speaking at the India Space Congress 2022, Rajesh Bhushan, Secretary – Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said, “With increasing age, providing health-care consultation at home for senior citizens is key, especially in remote areas. And such consultation is possible only via satellite connectivity. While the Health Ministry is working towards creating a sustainable solution for connecting specialised doctors to provide consultation to patients in remote areas via satellite, private healthcare companies should also do the same.”