The SAT-G satellite communication technology would lead to a revolution in global connectivity, Bharti Airtel chairman, and industrialist Sunil Bharti Mittal said Wednesday. “Just like 4G, 5G, and the upcoming 6G, we now have another technology—SAT-G,” he said. This will enable people to stay connected through remote areas, over oceans, and in the sky very shortly, as per Mittal.
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From 2G to 6G, Now SAT-G Aims to Revolutionize Global Connectivity With Satellite-Powered Internet
The comments come in the wake of Reliance Jio Platforms announcing a partnership with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to launch Starlink broadband services in India. Bharti Airtel, too, has signed a similar deal with SpaceX for Starlink.
Yet SpaceX still needs government approval before it can formally launch its services in the country. Starlink works via a constellation of small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), or simply at altitudes below 2,000 km. While traditional broadband requires wired cable infrastructure, Starlink uses satellite connectivity over radio waves. These satellites are capable of communicating with both ground stations and with one another, providing global coverage.
Starlink’s Direct to Cell service, which Mittal is also calling SAT-G, provides undeterred access to satellite-based cellular services. Now living in the US and New Zealand, this tech allows for satellite messaging on 4G LTE mobile networks. Back in October, SpaceX launched more than 400 satellites for its Direct-to-cell network, bringing the total number of satellites in orbit to more than 7,000.
This system could also help during natural disasters, with Nicole and Milton among the bundles of messages, as well as Los Angeles wildfires; when terrestrial networks were down, T-Mobile users could share things via the satellite.
Starlink Direct to Cell in the US was approved by the FCC by November 2024, while One NZ partnered with SpaceX in New Zealand. But with Jio and Airtel finally stepping up, India should join in helping make that a reality. Both telecom giants will also sell Starlink equipment through their retail stores, enabling customers to install satellite internet for their homes or vehicles. It’s extremely simple, you plug it in. You point it at the sky.
FAQs
What is SAT-G?
SAT-G is a new satellite-based communication technology that enables mobile internet access in remote areas, including oceans and skies.
How is SAT-G different from 5G?
Unlike 5G, which relies on terrestrial towers, SAT-G uses satellites to provide global connectivity, even in unreachable locations.
