ISRO chairman says India to soon get more than 100 Gbps internet speeds with the launch of three new satellites

India still lags behind in terms of fixed broadband speeds and is currently ranked 61st in the world, in terms of fixed broadband, with average download speeds of 24.56 Mbps. However, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman Dr. K Sivan claims that broadband users in India will soon get to avail internet speeds of more than 100 Gbps with the launch of three GSAT satellites before the end of next year. Sivan made the statement at the ninth convocation of Gitam, which is deemed to be a university in Hyderabad. He also said that the government of India has approved a budget of Rs 10,900 crore for 30 PSLVs and 10 GSLV Mk-III satellites, which will be launched in the next four years, in addition to more than 50 spacecrafts.  “India today has the world’s second largest internet user base. 

But our present broadband speed is 76th ranked in the world. With high throughput satellites GSAT-11, GSAT-29 and GSAT-20 set to be launched before the end of next year, the country can enjoy more than 100 Gbps high bandwidth connectivity across the country which will help bridge the digital divide”, said Dr. K.Sivan at the event. As per a Gitam press release, via ToI, ISRO chairman also received the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) at the convocation. Sivan also informed that ISRO has established a capacity building program office to increase the participation of academia and industry in the space sector.  ISRO has been making waves in the global space industry with good progress and rapid successful launches. 

The organisation recently launched its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, PSLV-C42, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, SHAR in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The rocket’s payload included two British satellites, NovaSAR and S1-4, both of which weigh 450 kg and are designed for observing the Earth. The space agency is also looking to achieve a new feat by sending an Indian astronaut on a manned mission in space for no less than seven days by 2022 while keeping the costs under Rs 10,000 crore. You can read more about it here.