Reliance Jio has introduced JioSpaceFiber, a satellite-based broadband service, at the Indian Mobile Congress. In contrast to traditional broadband that relies on cables or fiber optics, JioSpaceFiber utilizes communication satellites to provide internet connectivity. It distinguishes itself from both JioAirFiber and Jio Fiber.
The technology involves the installation of a satellite dish near your residence, which communicates with satellites orbiting the Earth. This approach enables internet access even in areas where conventional cable or fiber connections are unavailable, particularly in rural regions. It's important to note that satellite internet can have slightly higher latency because data needs to travel to space and back.
JioSpaceFiber has already commenced its rollout in select regions across India, such as Gir in Gujarat, Korba in Chattisgarh, Nabrangpur in Odisha, and ONGC in Jorhat, Assam. The company has partnered with SES, a Luxembourg-based firm, to offer this service, with the intention of disrupting the internet connectivity landscape in India.
Broadband internet speeds can vary depending on the type of infrastructure. Fiber, the fastest medium, can deliver speeds exceeding 1000mbps. Satellite internet offers high speeds, but cable internet is usually faster and more reliable. Satellite internet's advantage lies in its near-universal availability, as it receives signals from space. This makes it a viable option for individuals in rural areas lacking access to cable or fiber connections.
One potential drawback of satellite internet is relatively higher latency due to the data's journey to and from space. This could impact real-time online activities like gaming or video conferencing.
Satellites orbiting the Earth can be categorized into three types:
Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO): These satellites orbit at an altitude of 35,786 km above the Earth's surface and stay fixed above the same point on the ground. Only three GEO satellites are needed to cover the entire Earth due to their size and altitude.
Medium Earth Orbit (MEO): MEO satellites orbit between 5,000 and 12,000 km above Earth. They provide lower latency compared to GEO satellites but require more spacecraft (between eight and 20) for complete global coverage.
Low Earth Orbit (LEO): LEO satellites operate at altitudes ranging from 850 to 2,000 km. They offer the lowest latency among the three orbits. However, LEO networks require a significantly larger number of satellites for full coverage, and atmospheric drag reduces the lifespan of these satellites.
