Undersea Cables vs. DTH Internet: Why Undersea Cables are Superior for Andaman and Nicobar Islands

When considering internet connectivity options in remote regions such as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, two major technologies often come into play: undersea cables and Direct-to-Home (DTH) internet through dish antennas and satellites. While DTH internet via satellite seems like a straightforward and accessible solution, there are compelling reasons why undersea cables are being launched to connect this archipelago with the mainland of India. In this article, we explore the advantages of undersea cables and why they are the preferred choice for enhancing internet infrastructure in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Understanding Internet Connectivity Options

Direct-to-Home (DTH) Internet via Dish Antennas and Satellites

DTH internet is a common approach for providing internet connectivity in remote areas. VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) technology, which is the backbone of DTH internet, uses small dish antennas to communicate with satellites in geostationary orbit. While DTH internet is capable of providing internet access, it often comes with several limitations:

High Costs: Establishing a VSAT network can be expensive, with significant costs associated with the dish antennas, satellite communication, and maintenance. Speed Bottlenecks: While satellite technology has advanced significantly, internet speed through VSAT can still be limited. This is especially true for large data transfer demands, making it inadequate for many modern applications. Economic Viability: The cost per user for DTH internet may not be justified, especially for rural and remote areas with lower population density.

These limitations highlight the need for a more robust and efficient internet connectivity solution, particularly for regions like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which have unique geographical and logistical challenges.

The Advantages of Undersea Cables

Reliability and Speed

Undersea cables offer a higher degree of reliability and speed compared to satellite-based solutions. They provide a dedicated and stable network that can handle significant data throughput, making them ideal for supporting critical applications such as telemedicine, e-learning, and data storage.

The reliability of undersea cables is also noteworthy. Unlike satellites that can be affected by weather conditions, undersea cables are shielded from such disturbances, ensuring a more consistent and reliable connection.

Cost-Effectiveness in the Long Run

Although setting up undersea cables involves significant upfront costs, they are more cost-effective in the long run. Once installed, the network can cater to a growing number of users, spreading the initial investment over time. This makes undersea cables a fiscally responsible choice for emerging markets and remote island regions.

In contrast, the costs of maintaining and upgrading a VSAT network can be prohibitively high, making it a less sustainable long-term solution for internet connectivity.

Why Undersea Cables are the Preferred Solution for Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Firstly, the unique geographical location of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands poses significant challenges for conventional DTH internet. The distance to the nearest satellite can result in higher latencies and reduced bandwidth, which affects the overall quality of the internet service. Undersea cables, on the other hand, connect coastal regions directly to the mainland, providing a shorter and more direct route for data transmission.

Secondly, the geological stability and low risk of natural disasters associated with undersea cables make them a more reliable choice. Areas prone to earthquakes, typhoons, and tsunamis can pose significant risks to satellite communications. Undersea cables offer a more secure and less vulnerable infrastructure.

Thirdly, the scalability and adaptability

of undersea cables allow for easier upgrades and expansion. As the demand for internet services grows, additional capacity can be added without the need for major overhauls. This scalability is crucial for supporting the development and growth of the region.

Conclusion

The decision to launch undersea cables to connect the Andaman and Nicobar Islands with the mainland of India is a strategic move to improve internet infrastructure and address the limitations of DTH internet via dish antennas and satellites. Undersea cables offer a more reliable, faster, and cost-effective solution, making them the preferred choice for enhancing connectivity in this remote and challenging region.