Why did the Indian Army Launch Satellite-Based Internet on the Siachen battlefield?

On Sunday, the Indian Army turned on internet service through satellites on Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battlefield. Book Your SSB Interview Class Now – Click Here Enroll In Our...

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September 20, 2022
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On Sunday, the Indian Army turned on internet service through satellites on Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battlefield.

indian army activates satellite based internet on the worlds highest battlefield siachen glacier

What is the Army’s New Satellite-based internet service?

The Fire and Fury Corps of the Indian Army said, “Satellite-based internet service has been turned on at 19,061 feet on the Siachen Glacier, which is the world’s highest battlefield.” This was done by the Siachen Signallers.
The Fire and Fury Corps, also called the XIV Corps, is in charge of the military deployment along Kargil-Leh. It also keeps the borders with China and Pakistan safe and watches over the Siachen Glacier.

Why did the Indian Army Launch Satellite-Based Internet in Siachen Glacier?

The BharatNet Project is run by the same organisation, Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), that connects the Indian Army at Siachen to the Internet. BBNL is a government-owned company. The BBNL wants to use satellites to connect about 7,000 gramme panchayats and other remote areas that can’t get internet through fibre. Reports say that about 4,000 gramme panchayats have been set up all over the country. As part of a project run by the central government, four satellite gateways and two high throughput (HTS) satellites will cover the 7,000 sites.

Importance & Key Takeaways of New Satellite-based internet service

So far, the Army’s strategic and communication needs have been met by Gsat-7A, which is an Indian Air Force communication satellite, and other Isro satellites. But when the new cutting-edge technology comes out, the Army will have its own eye in the sky to keep its borders safe.
The BharatNet Project is being run by BBNL, which is also the company that connects the Army in Siachen to the internet. The plan for BBNL right now is to use satellites to connect about 7,000 gramme panchayats and other remote areas that can’t get internet through fibre optic cables. To connect all 7,000 panchayats, BharatNet will need to buy four satellite gateways and two powerful satellites.
There are a few private companies that connect the Indian Army to the internet by satellite in places like eastern Ladakh that are close to the border and could be dangerous. Hughes Communications India has teamed up with Isro and just announced that India’s first high-throughput satellite broadband service is now available to the public. Hughes is also connecting the Army along the China border, including in the Galwan region, using satellites.

All About Indian Armed forces Military Satellites

Also, a few private companies provide the Indian Army with different satellite-based internet services in sensitive border areas like eastern Ladakh. Hughes Communications India, which has a deal with Isro to use the Indian space agency’s Gsat-11 and Gsat-29 satellites and recently announced the commercial launch of India’s first high-throughput satellite (HTS) broadband service, is connecting the Indian Army along the China border, including in the Galwan region.
In the near future, the Indian Army will also get a communication satellite that is just for them. Defense minister Rajnath Singh has already given the go-ahead for buying the Gsat-7B satellite, which will help the ground force be more ready for operations and improve its ability to communicate.

Future Plans for Army’s New Satellite-based internet service

Soon, the Army will get its own satellite for communication. Rajnath Singh, who is in charge of defence, has already approved the Acceptance of Necessity for the GSAT-7B satellite. This will improve the armed forces’ operational readiness and communication skills. Up until now, the Army has relied on GSAT-7A, an IAF satellite for communication, and other satellites. With the new technology, the Army will have its own eye in the sky.

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