The government has initiated steps to procure the launch services for under-development GSAT-11 spacecraft which would address rural communication requirements of the country. The Union Cabinet gave its approval for the procurement of launch services and realization of ground segment for GSAT-11 spacecraft at a cost of Rs 1,117 crore. Also Read - ISRO to launch Geo Imaging Satellite with GSLV-F10 on March 5

GSAT-11 will be ready for launch by the end of this year. Considering the 5,600 kg lift-off mass, the satellite will be launched using procured launch vehicle outside the country, an official statement said here. Also Read - Xiaomi, Realme to launch phones with India's own NavIC GPS tech

The ground segment is being realized to address the rural communication requirements. This will enable early deployment of GSAT-11 so as to augment Ku-band capacity which can be utilized for various services like VSATS and broadband.

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The ground segment of GSAT-11 will enable the utilization of a small portion of the bandwidth for societal services apart from providing in-orbit testing support. It will also provide a high throughput capacity of about 10 Gbps to render broadband connectivity, especially in rural areas.

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A communication satellite with 32 high-power spot beams for providing high bandwidth VSAT communication, GSAT-11 is currently under development at Department of Space and ISRO facilities.