Geopolitics of Satellite Net

Syllabus: GS3/Awareness in the Fields of IT; Space

Context

• As satellite internet becomes a crucial component of global connectivity, and the competition to dominate satellite-based communications is not just about technological advancement but also about national security, economic influence, and digital sovereignty.

About Satellite Net  

• It is communications infrastructure in space that has the potential to connect underserved and unserved regions, transforming education, healthcare, and commerce, which are critical for national security.
• However, the ability to control satellite networks can influence military operations, surveillance, and emergency response systems.
• As nations race to secure orbital slots, frequency bands, and Low-Earth orbit (LEO)dominance, the competition extends to domains like:
  • Cybersecurity and surveillance;
  • Digital colonization risks;
  • Sovereignty over data and infrastructure;
  • Military dual-use of satellites;
• It is not only technological but deeply geopolitical, with ramifications across spectrum allocation, national sovereignty, data governance, and digital dominance.

Strategic Players

• United States: Dominates with SpaceX’s Starlink, boasting over 5,000 satellites in orbit.
• China: Developing its own LEO constellation called Guowang, aiming to avoid reliance on Western networks.
• Others: OneWeb (United Kingdom),  Amazon’s Project Kuiper

India’s Satellite Internet Strategy

• India still has regions where fiber optic cables have never reached, and cellular towers remain sparse.
• India is planning satellite internet networks via Bharti-backed OneWeb and Jio’s collaboration with SES, positioning itself as a regional player.
• Recent partnerships between SpaceX and Indian telecom giants Airtel and Jio to expand Starlink services across India mark a fundamental shift in connectivity, sovereignty, and economic power. 

Radio Frequency Spectrum and Sovereignty

• The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) governs spectrum access on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. It incentivizes a space race among major powers. 
• For countries of the Global South, particularly India, it raises urgent questions about access parity. 
• India has pushed for a more equitable model of spectrum distribution, echoing its calls for Global South-centric multilateralism.

Challenges and Concerns

• Monopoly Concerns in Satellite Internet: With around 7,000 satellites already in orbit, SpaceX enjoys a first-mover advantage in the LEO internet market.
  • The dominance of US-based Starlink raises concerns about digital influence, particularly as China develops its rival GuoWang constellation.
• Market Risks: A monopolistic structure could lead to concerns about competition, pricing, and dependency.
  • Private companies wielding nation-state levels of influence over critical infrastructure pose strategic risks, as seen when SpaceX briefly cut Ukraine’s Starlink access during military operations.
• Space debris: With tens of thousands of satellites expected, orbital crowding poses serious environmental and collision risks.
• Regulatory vacuum: International rules governing LEO satellite operations are underdeveloped, creating loopholes.
• Digital divide: While promising connectivity for underserved regions, satellite internet might exacerbate inequalities if monopolized.

Framework for Satellite Internet Geopolitics  

• Digital Sovereignty (High Economic Value, High Geopolitical Control): Nations achieve both profitable telecommunications and strategic independence.
  • Example: China’s GuoWang constellation, a state-controlled satellite system ensuring economic benefits while maintaining complete national control.  
• Market Dominance (High Economic Value, Low Geopolitical Control): A highly profitable system, but control remains outside the host nation’s hands.
  • Example: Starlink (SpaceX), offering strong commercial potential worldwide but limiting host countries’ control.
• Strategic Asset (Low Economic Value, High Geopolitical Control): Satellites provide strategic value but lack commercial viability.
  • Example: India’s limited indigenous satellite capacity, which is strategically vital but economically suboptimal.

Indian Perspective

• Technological Capability: ISRO’s SatCom division and private players like Tata, Reliance, and Bharti must scale domestic production and launch capacity to ensure self-reliance.
• Strategic Autonomy: India must avoid dependence on foreign orbital networks for critical services. Satellite-based internet must be embedded in national cyber strategy.
• Legal Frameworks: Updating the Satellite Communications Policy and Spacecom Policy is vital to regulate foreign players and protect digital sovereignty.
• Diplomatic Positioning: India can leverage forums like the Quad and BRICS to push for norms on fair access, orbital debris management, and peaceful space usage.

Conclusion  

• The race for satellite internet dominance is shaping global geopolitics, influencing digital sovereignty, economic dependencies, and national security.
• As India navigates this evolving landscape, balancing technological partnerships with strategic autonomy will be crucial for its future in the digital age.

Source: TH