IT and Society: Russia to launch satellite Internet

The Working group of the Commission for Modernization and Technological Development of Russia’s Economy under the President of Russia has approved the project which stipulates development of satellite Internet in Russia.

The project will span 2011–2014. The system implementation requires about 23 billion rubles, 4,6 billion of this sum will be subsidized by the government, while private investors are expected to provide the rest of the funds. The expenses are likely to be covered within 8–9 years.

The system will be based on satellites “Express-АМ5” and “Express-АМ6” (will be put into orbit in 2012), and two new satellites, which are going to be launched in 2014. Around 5 billion rubles of the project’s budget will be allocated to the ground infrastructure. Funds will be also needed for foundation of receiving terminals and service centers (there will 13 of them)

Satellite Internet is first and foremost required in inaccessible and remote areas.  According to the project’s requirements, the subscriber will need to pay around 8 000 rubles for the receiving equipment set. Whereas connection speeds of not less than 512 Kbps on the “social” rate will cost 300 rubles per month. By 2017–2018 the system is expected to have 2,2 million subscribers.