Chinese Digital Threat To The World

Table of Contents

The Digital Silk Road

The Hongyun project, started in September 2016, aims to build a space-based communications network to provide broadband internet connectivity to users around the world, especially those in the underserved regions.
The satellites will operate 1,000 kilometers above the earth, far lower than satellites are typically placed.
When the Hongyun project is complete, it will cover the whole world and offer round-the-clock communication services to users in polar regions, who now have difficulties accessing telecommunication and internet services, even from on board an aircraft or a ship or in a remote area.

So what, I’ve heard of Star link, OneWeb etc who are already providing satellite based internet..!!

Despite all the tech developments, digital inequality persists. 2.9 billion people, do not have access to the internet.
The satellite internet market is going to grow extensively. It is expected to rise to 126 billion euro business by 2025.
Chinese DSR claims that it is already providing “broadband Internet access to 6 million households and serving more than 900 million local people in Africa & Asia.
With the Hongyun project on cards, Chinese will be able to exploit the satellite internet market largely due to their BRI connect.

India and its allies must offer a credible alternative to the PRC’s services both through DSR & Hongyun project.
India must recognise the strategic value of satellite internet & information infrastructure.
Already, Airtel – OneWeb, SpaceX, Hughes, Viasat etc are providing services in India. We must enact policies to leverage the data collected by these satellite broadband operators. As a safety measure, India must also ensure the control over “KILL SWITCH” for satellite internet services.