A total communication revolution has begun in the whole nation through INSAT networking system connecting for the first time even remote areas and offshore islands of 150,000 route kms with the main stream. All total 133 telecommunication terminals operating in the INSAT network cover about 5000 two way speech circuits over 170 routes.
Various’ specialised communication service systems like PTI news service, facsimile transmission and emergency communication for relief operations for disaster affected areas have been successfully operated. For cyclone forecast in coastal areas, over 250 disaster warning receivers have been installed which are connected with specific Disaster Warning System (DWS) through INSAT network and are able to save thousands of people by forecasting the cyclone.
One of most significant applications of INSAT is in rapid expansion of T.V. dissemination in the country through installation of more than 750 TV transmitters in addition to 35,000 direct reception sets, providing access to over 85 per cent of India’s population. The duration of 100 hours of TV educational programmes per month covering 4000 schools and colleges has been further increased by use of INSAT system and can be able to impart training, developmental communications and distance education to the Open University students.
Now INSAT has been advantageously used for a variety of applications. Communication links are now possible between industries located in major metropolitan cities and their branch offices spreading throughout the country with the operation of the Remote Area Business and Message Network (RABMN) through INSAT.
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The National Information Centre Network (NIC NET) operating over 700 stations is able to provide reliable data communication links interconnecting district headquarters, State capitals and the Central Government.
Another unique approach of INSAT operation is the Talk-Back facilities, experimentations for providing relevant educational instructions to social workers, village teachers, agricultural communities, panchayat officials and Open University students. A two way interactive communication system can be developed through these facilities enabling the target audience to ask questions and obtain clarifications from experts then and there.
Another great achievement of INSAT technology is its implication in multimedia services along with involvement of optical fibers combined with the availability of mini-computers, sophisticated compression techniques and personalized communication services to access vast amount of information data.
GRAMSATS programme is running successfully for dissemination of language and regional and specific education even to remote areas with the introduction of mobile communication in INSAT -2C.
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Hence, with the successful launch of INSAT system, the country is now fully poised to become an integral part of the global information super-highway.