Latest news with #LowEarthOrbit
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
IT exports hit record at $4.6b
Listen to article Pakistan's information technology, IT-enabled services (ITeS) and freelancers' exports hit an all-time high of $4.6 billion in fiscal year 2024-25, higher by 26.4% from the previous year, but stakeholders still complained about the lack of government support. The total exports included $3.8 billion in services' exports and $779 million in earnings from freelancing and remote work, up 90%. The Ministry of IT and Telecom stressed that the government focused on action across five core areas that contributed to the massive growth. These areas comprised positioning Pakistan globally, investing in talent and infrastructure, protecting and supporting through policy, ensuring stable high-speed internet and digitalisation, especially digitising the economy and cashless initiatives. IT and Telecom Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja said that Pakistan was well on its way to achieve $15 billion in IT exports by 2030. She credited the achievement of $4.6 billion in IT exports to a unified national strategy, led by the government and supported by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and allied institutions. Speaking to the media, the minister said, "This success is the result of close coordination between the civilian and military leadership, along with contributions from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, Ministry of Finance, Planning Commission, Universal Service Fund (USF), Ignite and Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB)." She highlighted the government's focus on developing human capital, with over 350,000 youth trained through joint programmes with PSEB, Ignite, National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), Higher Education Commission (HEC) and global tech leaders like Google, Huawei and Microsoft. Shaza Fatima said that the IT ministry had launched 43 new co-working spaces and 23 Special Technology Zones last year, taking the total number of tech parks to 44. These facilities now house over 18,000 professionals engaged in freelancing, remote work and tech startups. She also announced government-backed incentives to expand those spaces into tier-2 and tier-3 cities through interest-free loans. "We're rapidly emerging as a regional digital and data hub," she stated. Highlighting the growth in connectivity, the minister said that Pakistan had over 200 million mobile service subscribers, with 150 million active mobile broadband users. Data usage jumped 24% last year and is expected to grow further, signalling deepening digital penetration. She said that USF connected over 550 villages to the internet in the past one year and aimed to double that number in the current fiscal year. "We're bridging the digital divide in areas the market doesn't serve." Shaza Fatima announced that the regulatory groundwork for licensing the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite internet providers was nearly complete and licences would be issued in the current year. Speaking about the government's $25 billion digital vision, the minister elaborated that $15 billion was targeted through IT exports and $10 billion via national digitisation. "We're well on track to achieve this goal," she asserted. One of the key pillars is the Digital Pakistan Act, which paves the way for the Pakistan Digital Authority. As the minister outlined the achievements, the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) demanded that the government come up with a long-term, predictable tax and compliance framework for the technology and ITeS sector. Association Chairman Sajjad Syed, in a statement, said that innovators were compelled to spend too much time navigating the overlapping regimes and too little time developing export products.
India.com
3 days ago
- Business
- India.com
Elon Musk's Starlink in India! BIG threat to Mukesh Ambani's Jio and Sunil Mittal's Airtel because…
(File) Starlink is gearing up to enter the Indian market. As a satellite-based internet service it can pose a challenge to existing telecom giants like Mukesh Ambani's Jio and Sunil Mittal's Airtel. However, there are huge differences between them in terms of prices and services. Starlink is targeting different sets of customers and its objective is different. What Is Elon Musk's Starlink? Starlink is a satellite-based internet service operated by SpaceX. It delivers high-speed internet connectivity through Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. Traditional internet is delivered via optical fiber or cell towers but Starlink provides internet using satellites. Starlink doesn't directly compete with traditional telecom operators. Instead, it is entering a new segment that currently doesn't exist for the general public in India that is satellite internet. So initially, Starlink's entry may not affect the existing players like Airtel, Jio, or Vi. Starlink VS Jio, Airtel Elon Musk's Starlink wants to provide internet connectivity in remote and underserved regions where conventional wired or wireless infrastructure is lacking. In such areas, where connectivity hasn't reached due to infrastructure challenges, Starlink can be beneficial. In urban areas, however, Starlink may not have much value, as users already have access to similar or even better internet speeds at lower prices through existing providers. At least initially Starlink won't be in direct competition with Jio, Airtel, or Vi in cities. What Are Starlink's Challenges? Using Starlink's service doesn't just require a subscription plan; users also need a hardware kit, i.e., a receiver set that can connect to the satellite signals. In India, satellite spectrum has not yet been allocated, and the process for allocation is still undecided. It's unclear whether the allocation will follow a traditional auction route or be done administratively. On the other hand, companies like Jio, Airtel, and Vi have already rolled out 5G services across many cities and villages. They also enjoy a strong customer base, competitive pricing, and a wide network of offline retail stores. Starlink's success in India will therefore depend heavily on its pricing and availability.
Business Standard
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Fiber to Future: India's Digital Leap
NewsVoir New Delhi [India], July 18: Bharat Exhibitions proudly concluded the 3rd edition of the Broadband India Summit 2025 today at Hotel Shangri-La, New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in India's digital transformation journey. Held under the compelling theme, "Connecting the Unconnected: Bridging the Gaps with Wireline, Wireless, and Satellite Solutions," the summit brought together the country's most influential policymakers, leading telecom operators, infrastructure enablers, and tech pioneers. With India's broadband landscape rapidly advancing through technologies like Wi-Fi 6/7, Passive Optical Networking (PON), and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, the summit spotlighted the innovations driving ultra-fast connectivity for immersive experiences such as 8K streaming, VR, cloud gaming, and smart homes. More than just a conference, the summit became a dynamic platform to shape policy direction, showcase transformative technologies, ignite partnerships, and power the inclusive vision of Digital India. Chief Guest of the Summit, Shri Vivek Banzal, Director (CFA), Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. said in his speech, "BSNL is more than a telecom provider--it's a digital enabler. As India moves toward Broadband for All, BSNL's infrastructure, affordability, and rural reach make it indispensable. Convergence of all technologies is the mantra ahead, we need to reach every nook and corner of the country. This is the only way ahead for our country, India. Indian connectivity, penetrating all geographical boundaries is something that we as operators focus on. When the whole of India is connected, it is connected in the truest sense." Guest of Honour of the Summit, Shri Sanjay Agrawal, Director, Directorate of Coordination Police Wireless (DCPW), Ministry of Home Affairs spoke during his speech, "The Ministry of Home Affairs is embracing this transformation. From digital identity verification to online passport services, broadband is revolutionizing how we deliver public services. Initiatives like PM-WANI and Digital Bharat Nidhi are helping bridge the urban-rural divide by funding infrastructure in underserved areas. As we expand digital access, we must also ensure cybersecurity, data protection, and digital literacy. The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 is a step in the right direction. But laws must be matched with awareness and infrastructure." Mr. Puneet Garg, President and Group Wireline CTO, Reliance Jio in his operator keynote address was heard quoting, "In the digital age, connectivity is the cornerstone of progress. Fast, reliable internet is no longer a luxury--it's a necessity. At Jio Fiber, we're proud to be at the forefront of this transformation. Our mission is simple: to deliver world-class broadband to every corner of India. With Jio Fiber and now Jio AirFiber, we're extending our reach to areas where traditional infrastructure cannot, helping bridge the digital divide. Prioritizing health and enabling government-led services, our solutions ensure connectivity even in the most remote parts of the country." Mr. Rahul Vatts, Director - OneWeb India and Chief Regulatory Officer, Bharti Airtel in his operator address was heard quoting, "Satellite broadband is rapidly emerging as a transformative solution for internet connectivity in India, especially in remote and underserved regions. Bharti Airtel is making significant moves in the satellite broadband space in India, positioning itself as a key player through strategic partnerships and joint ventures." Prof. Kiran Kuchi, Founder of WiSig Networks and Professor at IIT Hyderabad, said during the summit, "We are witnessing a convergence of multiple technologies, especially in the infrastructure sector. 5G and Wi-Fi have converged at the network site, which is quite mind-boggling. BharatNet, along with complementary technologies and fiber-to-the-home initiatives, are key to achieving last-mile connectivity." Another speaker, Mr. Sachin Deshpande, CTO, Tata Play Fiber shared in his special address, "Tata Play Fiber is more than a service--it's a commitment to digital empowerment. We're expanding across cities and towns, ensuring that every household, every business, and every learner has access to world-class internet. In today's digital-first world, connectivity is no longer a convenience--it's a necessity. Whether it's a student attending online classes, a professional working remotely, or a family streaming their favorite shows, fast and reliable internet is the backbone of modern life, as network is hygiene. Customer experience is the imperative, so that service capabilities are enhanced, for example incorporation of AI." Shri Manoj Tandon, Director (Project, Operations & Maintenance), RailTel Corporation of India Ltd in his special address said, "What makes broadband connectivity truly impactful is its reach. Over 50% of our RailWire subscribers are from semi-urban and rural areas--regions where traditional broadband often fails to penetrate. We're not just connecting individuals; we're empowering entire communities. Telecom growth fuels national progress--let's work together towards a meaningful broadband mission." "RANext is at the forefront of building digital infrastructure and enabling future-ready connectivity. As smart cities and buildings become the need of the hour in India and globally, what RANext is doing in this context is not just business, but providing connectivity solutions that are paving the way forward for the industry. Our solutions are not only building the backbone of FTTx and other wireless solutions in India but also laying the foundation for a digitally empowered future," said Mr. Gopa Kumar Krishna, Chief Executive Officer, RANext Technologies. During his welcome address, Mr. Shashi Dharan, Managing Director of Bharat Exhibitions, said, "India is entering a new era of connectivity. As we all know, satellite broadband is coming to India! With the necessary permits and clearances secured, the government is now finalizing the terms for spectrum allocation. Commercial services are expected to commence by November or December 2025." Other eminent panelists and speakers from multiple industry verticals included, Shri Arun Agrawal, DDG (Satellite), Department of Telecommunications, Smt. Padma Jaiswal, IAS, Secretary to Government to the state & Union Territories and Secretary, Government of Puducherry, Mr. Sanjay Kawale, Manager - Products, Commscope India Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Rajesh Kaul, Founder & Director, LMES iConnectWe, Mr. Vivek Narayan, Former DDG DS, DoT, Shri R. Shakya, Addl. DG, Haryana LSA & Circle Head, Department of Telecommunications, Mr. Laxminarayan R. Bhat, Head of Product Management, Astrome Technologies, Shri Khandagale Dhammapal Anil, Director (Satellite Finance), Wireless Planning & Finance Wing, Department of Telecommunications, Mr. Alok Gupta, Founder & CEO, Pyramid Cyber Security & Forensics, Mr. Debashish Bhattacharya, Sr. Dy. Director General, Broadband India Forum (BIF), Shri Ram Sajiwan Singh, DDG (IOT), Telecommunication Engineering Centre, Mr. Vinish Bawa, Partner & Telecom Sector Leader, PwC India, Lt. Gen. AK Bhatt PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM (Retd), Director General, Indian Space Association (ISpA), Mr. Yugal Kishore Sharma, Founder & CEO, MyNEXT Broadband Services, Mr. Dharmender Khajuria, National Head - Network Partnerships, Bharti Airtel , Mr. Rajiv Mehla, Chief Business Officer, RANext Technologies and Mr. Sanjay Kawale, Manager - Products, Commscope India Pvt. Ltd. The Summit was supported and partnered by WiSig Networks, Commscope, RANext Technologies, Techspire Services, 6D Technologies, Astrome Technologies, LMES iConnectWe, Shaildhar Telecom, Saartek, Syrotech Networks, Communications Today, The Marcom Avenue, ITU-APT Foundation of India, Indian Space Association and Broadband India Forum.
Fashion Value Chain
3 days ago
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
Fiber to Future: India's Digital Leap
Bharat Exhibitions proudly concluded the 3rd edition of the Broadband India Summit 2025 today at Hotel Shangri-La, New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in Indias digital transformation journey. Held under the compelling theme, 'Connecting the Unconnected: Bridging the Gaps with Wireline, Wireless, and Satellite Solutions,' the summit brought together the country's most influential policymakers, leading telecom operators, infrastructure enablers, and tech pioneers. With India's broadband landscape rapidly advancing through technologies like Wi-Fi 6/7, Passive Optical Networking (PON), and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, the summit spotlighted the innovations driving ultra-fast connectivity for immersive experiences such as 8K streaming, VR, cloud gaming, and smart homes. More than just a conference, the summit became a dynamic platform to shape policy direction, showcase transformative technologies, ignite partnerships, and power the inclusive vision of Digital India. Manoj Tandon, RailTel, Sanjay Agrawal, DCPW, Vivek Banzal, BSNL, Shashi Dharan, Bharat Exhibitions, Sachin Deshpande, Tata Play Fiber, Kiran Kuchi, IIT Hyderabad, Anil Tandan, BIF Chief Guest of the Summit, Shri Vivek Banzal, Director (CFA), Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. said in his speech, 'BSNL is more than a telecom provider-it's a digital enabler. As India moves toward Broadband for All, BSNL's infrastructure, affordability, and rural reach make it indispensable. Convergence of all technologies is the mantra ahead, we need to reach every nook and corner of the country. This is the only way ahead for our country, India. Indian connectivity, penetrating all geographical boundaries is something that we as operators focus on. When the whole of India is connected, it is connected in the truest sense.' Guest of Honour of the Summit, Shri Sanjay Agrawal, Director, Directorate of Coordination Police Wireless (DCPW), Ministry of Home Affairs spoke during his speech, 'The Ministry of Home Affairs is embracing this transformation. From digital identity verification to online passport services, broadband is revolutionizing how we deliver public services. Initiatives like PM-WANI and Digital Bharat Nidhi are helping bridge the urban-rural divide by funding infrastructure in underserved areas. As we expand digital access, we must also ensure cybersecurity, data protection, and digital literacy. The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 is a step in the right direction. But laws must be matched with awareness and infrastructure.' Mr. Puneet Garg, President and Group Wireline CTO, Reliance Jio in his operator keynote address was heard quoting, 'In the digital age, connectivity is the cornerstone of progress. Fast, reliable internet is no longer a luxury-it's a necessity. At Jio Fiber, we're proud to be at the forefront of this transformation. Our mission is simple: to deliver world-class broadband to every corner of India. With Jio Fiber and now Jio AirFiber, we're extending our reach to areas where traditional infrastructure cannot, helping bridge the digital divide. Prioritizing health and enabling government-led services, our solutions ensure connectivity even in the most remote parts of the country.' Mr. Rahul Vatts, Director – OneWeb India and Chief Regulatory Officer, Bharti Airtel in his operator address was heard quoting, 'Satellite broadband is rapidly emerging as a transformative solution for internet connectivity in India, especially in remote and underserved regions. Bharti Airtel is making significant moves in the satellite broadband space in India, positioning itself as a key player through strategic partnerships and joint ventures.' Prof. Kiran Kuchi, Founder of WiSig Networks and Professor at IIT Hyderabad, said during the summit, 'We are witnessing a convergence of multiple technologies, especially in the infrastructure sector. 5G and Wi-Fi have converged at the network site, which is quite mind-boggling. BharatNet, along with complementary technologies and fiber-to-the-home initiatives, are key to achieving last-mile connectivity.' Another speaker, Mr. Sachin Deshpande, CTO, Tata Play Fiber shared in his special address, 'Tata Play Fiber is more than a service-it's a commitment to digital empowerment. We're expanding across cities and towns, ensuring that every household, every business, and every learner has access to world-class internet. In today's digital-first world, connectivity is no longer a convenience-it's a necessity. Whether it's a student attending online classes, a professional working remotely, or a family streaming their favorite shows, fast and reliable internet is the backbone of modern life, as network is hygiene. Customer experience is the imperative, so that service capabilities are enhanced, for example incorporation of AI.' Shri Manoj Tandon, Director (Project, Operations & Maintenance), RailTel Corporation of India Ltd in his special address said, 'What makes broadband connectivity truly impactful is its reach. Over 50% of our RailWire subscribers are from semi-urban and rural areas-regions where traditional broadband often fails to penetrate. We're not just connecting individuals; we're empowering entire communities. Telecom growth fuels national progress-let's work together towards a meaningful broadband mission.' 'RANext is at the forefront of building digital infrastructure and enabling future-ready connectivity. As smart cities and buildings become the need of the hour in India and globally, what RANext is doing in this context is not just business, but providing connectivity solutions that are paving the way forward for the industry. Our solutions are not only building the backbone of FTTx and other wireless solutions in India but also laying the foundation for a digitally empowered future,' said Mr. Gopa Kumar Krishna, Chief Executive Officer, RANext Technologies. During his welcome address, Mr. Shashi Dharan, Managing Director of Bharat Exhibitions, said, 'India is entering a new era of connectivity. As we all know, satellite broadband is coming to India! With the necessary permits and clearances secured, the government is now finalizing the terms for spectrum allocation. Commercial services are expected to commence by November or December 2025.' Other eminent panelists and speakers from multiple industry verticals included, Shri Arun Agrawal, DDG (Satellite), Department of Telecommunications, Smt. Padma Jaiswal, IAS, Secretary to Government to the state & Union Territories and Secretary, Government of Puducherry, Mr. Sanjay Kawale, Manager – Products, Commscope India Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Rajesh Kaul, Founder & Director, LMES iConnectWe, Mr. Vivek Narayan, Former DDG DS, DoT, Shri R. Shakya, Addl. DG, Haryana LSA & Circle Head, Department of Telecommunications, Mr. Laxminarayan R. Bhat, Head of Product Management, Astrome Technologies, Shri Khandagale Dhammapal Anil, Director (Satellite Finance), Wireless Planning & Finance Wing, Department of Telecommunications, Mr. Alok Gupta, Founder & CEO, Pyramid Cyber Security & Forensics, Mr. Debashish Bhattacharya, Sr. Dy. Director General, Broadband India Forum (BIF), Shri Ram Sajiwan Singh, DDG (IOT), Telecommunication Engineering Centre, Mr. Vinish Bawa, Partner & Telecom Sector Leader, PwC India, Lt. Gen. AK Bhatt PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM (Retd), Director General, Indian Space Association (ISpA), Mr. Yugal Kishore Sharma, Founder & CEO, MyNEXT Broadband Services, Mr. Dharmender Khajuria, National Head – Network Partnerships, Bharti Airtel , Mr. Rajiv Mehla, Chief Business Officer, RANext Technologies and Mr. Sanjay Kawale, Manager – Products, Commscope India Pvt. Ltd. The Summit was supported and partnered by WiSig Networks, Commscope, RANext Technologies, Techspire Services, 6D Technologies, Astrome Technologies, LMES iConnectWe, Shaildhar Telecom, Saartek, Syrotech Networks, Communications Today, The Marcom Avenue, ITU-APT Foundation of India, Indian Space Association and Broadband India Forum.
Broadcast Pro
4 days ago
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
Vislink debuts 5G airborne video transmitter Aero5 at APSCON
Built for law enforcement, public safety and broadcast applications, Aero5 delivers low-latency 4K UHD video from helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft and UAVs to command centers, field teams and studios. Vislink Technologies has announced the launch of its Aero5 live video transmission system at APSCON 2025, held from July 17 to 18 in Phoenix, Arizona. Engineered for high-performance air-to-ground operations, Aero5 is reportedly now the most advanced 5G bonded cellular video transmitter for aerial use, capable of delivering real-time, low-latency 4K UHD video for mission-critical applications. Tailored to the needs of law enforcement, emergency response, and broadcast sectors, Aero5 supports live video transmission from helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and drones to command centres, field personnel and studios. The system accommodates up to eight bonded 5G modems, with optional integration of Starlink and other Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity even in remote or infrastructure-challenged areas. Aero5 is fully integrated with Vislink's secure, cloud-native LinkMatrix platform, allowing users to manage live video feeds through a single web-based interface. The platform offers real-time stream switching, remote encoder control, AES encryption and full compatibility with cloud workflows. This enables seamless coordination across agencies during complex operations like search and rescue, medevac missions, border patrol, surveillance and wildfire response. The system also supports hybrid configurations when paired with Vislink's AeroLink transmitter, combining line-of-sight COFDM capabilities with beyond-line-of-sight cellular and satellite transmission for maximum operational flexibility. Mickey Miller, CEO of Vislink, said: 'Aero5 gives public safety teams a powerful tool for real-time situational awareness and rapid response. By harnessing the speed and reach of 5G, we're enabling aerial units to stream critical video wherever the mission takes them.' In addition to Aero5, Vislink is showcasing its full Air-to-Anywhere ecosystem at the event. This includes AeroLink for low-latency RF transmission, the rugged Mobile Commander control station for live video management, and CIRAS-X6, a secure encrypted receiver that ensures mission-critical data protection. These integrated technologies offer scalable, high-throughput video solutions tailored for diverse and demanding airborne missions. Live demonstrations of Aero5 and Vislink's broader Airborne Video Downlink Systems portfolio are available for visitors at booth during APSCON 2025. Stand 717
