FACT SHEET

Theme: "VSATs...Bridging the Digital Divide"

CO-SPONSORS
* Department of Telecommunications
Ministry of Communications & Information Technology
Government of India (* invited)

* Department of Information Technology
Ministry of Communications & Information Technology
Government of India

SUPPORT
- Internet Service Providers Association of India

CO-ORGANISERS
- VSAT Services Association of India
- Global VSAT Forum, UK

INTRODUCTION
Bridging the digital divide has been one of the highest priorities for the ICT industry worldwide, more so in India with its low levels of Internet Broadband penetration compared with other countries around the world.

Satellite technology has the potential to bridge this divide and also provide uniform broadband access across multiple locations, irrespective of geographical constraints.

Providing connectivity to rural India where thousands of villages are without any telephone infrastructure is one of the biggest challenges facing our country today. In such a scenario, the rural and agro sectors envisage a major role for VSATs, as it is perhaps the most cost effective solution for providing connectivity in rural as well as inaccessible areas.

The pressure on corporates to meet their communications demands cost effectively has never been more apparent. VSAT's are making this possible by deploying and managing an efficient communications infrastructure, examples of which are distance learning, video conferencing, emergency response management, real time production management and digital advertising - the satellite application possibilities for organisations are unlimited.

MARKET POTENTIAL
The VSAT industry provides an exceptionally efficient service with an unrivalled uptime of 99.9%. This has enabled financial institutions, banks (the Reserve Bank of India), ATM operators, stock exchanges and the financial wire / news services in the country to completely rely on this service. Their split second decisions are constantly communicated through VSATs. Such is the importance of the integrity and efficiency of this telecommunication system that it has proved to be the only reliable communication link in disaster areas where existing communication networks have completely broken down.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the Govt. of India have realised that VSAT is the most pliable technology to bridge the digital divide. However, it is essential that artificial regulatory barriers are dropped to make this technology affordable in real terms to the rural population. This segment has huge market potential for distance-education, telemedicine and spread of Internet and Broadband.

CONFERENCE
The one day conference brings together leaders and decision-makers from the service and user community.

DELEGATE PROFILE
CEOs, Managing Directors, Presidents, Chief Financial Officers, Chief Technology Officers, Chief Operating Officers, Chief Information Officers, and senior executives from the following industry sectors:

Conference registration includes entrance to the conference and exhibition, delegate kit, networking lunch / tea / coffee, invitation to the industry reception in the evening.

EXHIBITION
- Space Charges (6 sqm): Rs. 42,000 / US$ 960
- Exhibitor Profile
- VSAT manufacturers
- satellite companies
- network management system providers
- remote terminal equipment manufacturers
- video conferencing manufacturers etc…etc…etc.

The exhibition will be held in the same location as the conference, and will be an excellent opportunity for the exhibitors to display their services, technologies and products to the conference attendees.

A fully furnished 6 sqm shell scheme booth will include modular shell stand structure, colour fascia with company name and booth number, one information counter, two folding chairs, two 100W spotlights, one fluorescent tube.