Direct-to-Device (D2D) Satellite Connectivity is an emerging technology that allows smartphones and other devices to communicate directly with satellites without intermediary ground-based cell towers. Read here to learn more.
D2D technology is particularly transformative for areas with limited or no cellular coverage, such as remote locations, oceans, or during natural disasters.
BSNL has announced the rollout of satellite services to provide connectivity to remote regions. The Direct-to-Device (D2D) service is the first satellite internet service for consumers.
The D2D service combines services from terrestrial networks and satellites, to provide uninterrupted services in the remotest corners of India, including mountains, forests and villages.
The technology is particularly useful in emergencies and also allows for UPI payments. The rollout follows the first successful demonstration of direct-to-device communications with a smartphone by Viasat at the India Mobile Congress earlier.
Direct-to-Device (D2D) service in India
Earlier, Viasat working alongside partner BSNL, India’s telecommunications provider, successfully showcased satellite-powered two-way messaging services for attendees at India Mobile Congress — one of Asia’s largest technology fairs.
Viasat is currently working with its partners, including BSNL in India, to power the expansion of satellite services on consumer and IoT devices across the world.
- In the trial, Viasat demonstrated two-way messaging and SoS messaging using a commercial Android smartphone enabled for non-terrestrial network (NTN) connectivity.
- The messages were sent roughly 36,000km to one of Viasat’s geostationary L-band satellites.
- The outcome proves satellite services to cell phone connectivity is technically feasible for Indian consumers and businesses using Viasat’s satellite network.
Direct-to-device connectivity is a new technology that allows everyday devices – like mobile phones, smart watches, or cars – industrial machinery, and transport operators to connect seamlessly to both terrestrial and satellite coverage.
This means devices can stay connected from any location without the need for dedicated hardware to connect to satellites.
Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) connectivity
Non-terrestrial network (NTN) connectivity refers to communication networks that rely on spaceborne, airborne, or maritime platforms rather than traditional terrestrial infrastructure like cell towers or fibre-optic cables.
NTNs enable connectivity in remote or underserved areas and provide redundancy during natural disasters or emergencies. They play a crucial role in expanding global communications.
Key Components of NTN Connectivity:
- Satellite-Based Communication:
- Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellites: Examples include SpaceX’s Starlink and OneWeb, offering high-speed internet with low latency.
- Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) and Geostationary (GEO) Satellites: Used for broader coverage but typically higher latency, e.g., Inmarsat or HughesNet.
- Airborne Platforms:
- High-Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS): Unmanned aerial systems like balloons or drones provide localized coverage.
- Aircraft connectivity systems for in-flight internet services.
- Maritime Connectivity:
- Network systems designed for vessels at sea, enabling communication in regions beyond terrestrial network reach.
- Hybrid Integration with Terrestrial Networks:
- Combining NTN with terrestrial 4G/5G networks for seamless coverage in urban and rural areas.
How does D2D Satellite Connectivity Work?
- Satellite Integration: Unlike traditional satellite communications requiring bulky equipment, D2D integrates satellites with everyday devices like smartphones.
- Satellite-to-Device Communication:
- Satellites equipped with advanced transponders beam data directly to devices equipped with compatible receivers.
- No intermediate ground stations or traditional towers are required, making it effective for remote or underserved areas.
- Example: Companies like SpaceX and AST SpaceMobile are exploring satellite D2D technology for universal internet access.
- Cellular Networks (Device-to-Device Communication):
- In mobile networks, D2D refers to the ability of devices to communicate directly with each other without routing data through a base station or core network.
- Technologies like 5G enable efficient D2D communication, often used for content sharing or proximity-based services.
- Content Delivery Networks (CDNs):
- Media or software providers send data directly to user devices over broadband or cellular networks. This is common in services like Netflix or Spotify for on-demand streaming.
- Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellites: Most D2D systems use LEO satellites due to their lower latency and higher signal strength compared to geostationary satellites.
- Frequency Bands: They operate in licensed spectrum bands used by terrestrial cellular networks, ensuring compatibility with existing devices.
Key Features
- Global Coverage: Provides connectivity in remote or underserved areas where traditional infrastructure is unavailable.
- Emergency Communication: Facilitates communication during natural disasters, where terrestrial networks might be damaged.
- Low Latency: Leveraging LEO satellites reduces signal delay compared to traditional satellite systems.
- Minimal Hardware Changes: Modern smartphones can access this service with software updates or minor hardware enhancements.
Significance of D2D for India
Enhanced Connectivity
- Bridging the Digital Divide: D2D connectivity can provide seamless coverage in remote areas such as rural villages, mountainous terrains, and islands, where terrestrial infrastructure is limited or non-existent.
- Disaster Resilience: Satellite-based communication ensures uninterrupted connectivity during natural disasters, when traditional networks often fail.
Revolutionizing Communication
- Mobile Coverage Everywhere: Eliminates “no signal” zones by connecting devices directly to satellites, offering truly nationwide coverage.
- Emergency Communication: Enables real-time communication for rescue and relief operations, especially in inaccessible regions.
Economic and Strategic Implications
- Boost to Startups and Innovation: D2D technology opens new avenues for Indian startups to innovate in IoT, smart agriculture, and other satellite-based services.
- Job Creation: The development of satellite services, manufacturing, and related technology will generate employment opportunities.
- Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India): Strengthens India’s ability to produce advanced technologies domestically, reducing dependence on foreign systems.
Strategic Advantages
- National Security: Provides secure communication for defense operations in remote border areas.
- Global Positioning: Puts India on the map of advanced satellite communications, competing with global players like SpaceX (Starlink) and Amazon (Kuiper).
Sustainability and Scalability
- Energy-Efficient: Reduces dependency on energy-intensive ground infrastructure like towers.
- Scalability: As technology evolves, D2D systems can be expanded to cover a wider range of applications, including 5G backhaul and remote
Current Players and Initiatives
- SpaceX and Starlink:
- Collaborates with T-Mobile for satellite-to-phone connectivity.
- Promises text, voice, and potentially data services directly via Starlink satellites.
- AST SpaceMobile:
- Developing a space-based cellular broadband network that connects directly to standard smartphones.
- Apple:
- Introduced Emergency SOS via Satellite in iPhone 14, enabling users to send distress messages without cellular service.
- Globalstar:
- Partnering with Apple for satellite connectivity.
- Other Key Players: Lynk Global, OneWeb, and Hughes Network Systems.
Applications
- Disaster Management: Ensures connectivity in areas struck by earthquakes, hurricanes, or floods.
- Maritime and Aviation: Offers seamless communication for ships and airplanes in remote locations.
- Rural Connectivity: Bridges the digital divide by providing internet in remote regions.
- IoT Devices: Supports machine-to-machine communication in areas lacking cellular coverage.
- Universal Internet: Satellite D2D systems aim to provide broadband access globally, especially in remote or rural regions.
- Proximity-Based Services: Peer-to-peer (P2P) file transfers, location sharing, or collaborative gaming rely on D2D technology.
- On-Demand Content Streaming: Direct delivery of high-quality media to user devices without buffering or network interruptions.
Challenges
- Regulatory Hurdles: Integrating satellite and terrestrial networks requires harmonized regulations.
- Spectrum Allocation: Ensuring fair access to limited frequency bands.
- Cost: High development and deployment costs might make services expensive initially.
- Capacity Issues: Scaling the service to handle a large number of devices effectively.
Way forward
The integration of 5G networks with D2D satellite technology could further revolutionize connectivity, providing high-speed internet to even the most remote corners of the globe.
With major companies investing heavily in this sector, D2D connectivity is expected to become a mainstream feature in the coming decade, bridging connectivity gaps worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is a direct-to-device satellite?
Ans: Direct-to-device connectivity is a new technology that allows everyday devices – like mobile phones, smart watches, or cars – industrial machinery, and transport operators to connect seamlessly to both terrestrial and satellite coverage.
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-Article by Swathi Satish
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