India’s digital expansion depends upon more than mobile towers and consumer devices. Every cellular base station must also be connected to the wider telecommunications network through a high-capacity link known as backhaul. Optical fibre provides excellent speed and reliability, but extending fibre to every rural settlement, hill, island, defence post or newly installed 5G site can be expensive and time-consuming.
Bengaluru-based Astrome Technologies is developing an Indian alternative for locations where laying fibre is difficult. Its flagship terrestrial product, GigaMesh, uses millimetre-wave radio technology to transmit large quantities of data wirelessly between towers and network sites. Astrome describes the platform as an auto-aligned, multi-beam E-band radio capable of providing fibre-like, multi-gigabit connectivity without requiring trenches or underground cables.
Founded in 2015, Astrome emerged from the technology ecosystem surrounding the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru. The company was established by aerospace engineer Neha Satak, who serves as co-founder and chief executive officer, and technologist Prasad H. L. Bhat, its co-founder, chairman and chief technology officer. Astrome says its team began with a central question: how could high-speed internet be made more affordable and accessible?
The company now develops terrestrial and satellite communication equipment based on phased-array antennas, electronic beam steering, software-defined modems and millimetre-wave communication. Its work spans wireless backhaul on the ground, satellite terminals, communication payloads and secure connectivity systems for difficult environments.
Why Telecom Networks Need Backhaul
A mobile tower connects nearby phones, computers, machines and Internet of Things devices to a cellular network. The tower must then transfer the accumulated voice and data traffic to the operator’s core network and the wider internet.
The connection carrying this traffic away from the tower is called backhaul. As mobile networks move from 4G to 5G, the amount of data passing through each site increases considerably. Dense 5G networks may also require more cell sites, creating demand for additional high-capacity backhaul connections.
Fibre remains a preferred option for many permanent installations, but fibre deployment involves route surveys, digging, permissions, ducts, cable installation and maintenance. Rocky terrain, forests, rivers, congested cities, isolated villages and military operating areas can make such work difficult or uneconomical.
Wireless backhaul allows operators to connect two or more network sites by transmitting data through highly directional radio beams. Equipment can be installed on towers, rooftops or elevated structures, enabling a link to be established without laying a physical cable along the entire route.
Astrome developed GigaMesh to provide this type of connection with capacity approaching that of fibre. The Technology Development Board noted that cellular sites increasingly require multi-gigabit throughput, while extending fibre to every site remains constrained by cost and accessibility.
What Is E-Band Communication?
GigaMesh operates in the E-band, a portion of the millimetre-wave spectrum commonly associated with frequencies around 71–76 GHz and 81–86 GHz. These frequencies provide wide channels through which large volumes of data can be transmitted.
The high available bandwidth makes E-band suitable for mobile backhaul, fronthaul, enterprise networks and other high-speed, point-to-point wireless applications. ETSI identifies the 71–76 GHz and 81–86 GHz ranges as E-band frequencies intended for high-capacity backhaul, fronthaul and wireless access applications.
E-band links use narrow, highly directional beams. The focused beam can carry large amounts of information while reducing interference with neighbouring links. It also allows multiple radios to operate within the same general area when their beams are carefully planned.
Millimetre-wave systems generally require a clear or carefully engineered line of sight between communicating sites. Rain and atmospheric conditions must also be considered during network planning because precipitation can attenuate signals at higher frequencies. International Telecommunication Union recommendations therefore include specialised prediction methods for rain attenuation in terrestrial line-of-sight radio systems.
GigaMesh is consequently best understood as a powerful complement to fibre rather than a universal replacement. It can extend high-capacity connectivity rapidly across difficult gaps, while fibre can continue to form the underlying backbone wherever cable deployment is practical.
How GigaMesh Works
Conventional E-band radios commonly establish a single point-to-point link between two locations. A separate radio and antenna arrangement may be required for each additional destination.
GigaMesh introduces a multi-beam architecture. Its phased-array antenna and associated electronics can create and control several directional links, enabling one installation to communicate with multiple surrounding network sites.
Astrome and government agencies have described GigaMesh as one of the first multi-beam E-band radio systems designed to combine multiple point-to-point connections within a single unit. By distributing the hardware cost across several links, the architecture can lower the cost of connecting multiple towers.
The current GigaMesh platform incorporates a compact flat-panel phased-array antenna, electronic beam steering and dynamic link alignment. Astrome lists fibre-like multi-gigabit throughput and a potential operating range of up to 20 kilometres, depending on configuration, regulation, terrain and link conditions. Its multiple-link functionality is also subject to the applicable regulatory framework in each market.
Earlier pilot information published by the Government in 2022 described a version capable of creating as many as 40 links, providing more than 2 Gbps per link over distances of up to 10 kilometres. These figures related to the configuration discussed during that phase of the programme, while the company’s current product page presents an updated range claim of up to 20 kilometres.
Automatic Alignment Reduces Installation Complexity
Highly directional millimetre-wave radios must be accurately aligned. Even a small error in antenna direction can weaken the connection because the beam is narrow.
Traditional installation may require technicians to adjust antennas manually at both ends of a link. Towers may need to be revisited when movement, wind or structural changes disturb the alignment.
GigaMesh uses electronic beam steering and software-controlled alignment to locate and maintain the radio path. Instead of depending entirely on mechanical repositioning, the phased array can alter the direction of the beam electronically.
Astrome says this automatic link-alignment capability can reduce installation and maintenance costs. Its underlying platform also incorporates remote link formation and dynamic allocation of transmission power between links, enabling operators to manage the network through software.
This characteristic can be particularly useful in rural and remote networks where specialist technicians may have to travel long distances to reach a tower. Remote diagnostics and software-based management can shorten service interruptions and reduce repeated site visits.
Connecting Villages Without Waiting for Fibre
Rural connectivity is one of GigaMesh’s principal intended applications. A fibre backbone may reach a district headquarters or Gram Panchayat while nearby villages remain separated by rivers, hills, forests or long stretches of difficult terrain.
A GigaMesh unit can potentially carry capacity from the fibre-connected location to several surrounding sites. Additional towers, Wi-Fi access points or mobile base stations can then distribute connectivity to local users.
In 2022, the Department of Telecommunications entered into a pilot arrangement involving GigaMesh connectivity for 15 villages. The initiative was intended to evaluate whether the system could relieve congestion in existing 4G infrastructure and provide affordable high-speed connectivity in rural regions.
The company received support from ARTPARK, the AI and Robotics Technology Park established at the Indian Institute of Science with assistance from the Department of Science and Technology and the Government of Karnataka. ARTPARK supported the development and demonstration of technologies intended to address large-scale national challenges.
The Technology Development Board subsequently approved financial assistance of ₹2.97 crore towards a ₹19.79-crore project for the productisation and commercialisation of GigaMesh for rural and defence applications.
Astrome has also received support through the Department of Telecommunications’ Digital Communication Innovation Square programme. The programme identifies GigaMesh as a multi-beam E-band system designed for rapid rural broadband and 5G deployment.
Accelerating Urban 4G and 5G Deployment
Wireless backhaul is equally relevant in cities. Operators adding a new small cell, temporary tower or rooftop base station may need connectivity before fibre construction can be completed.
GigaMesh can create a rapid wireless bridge between the new site and an existing fibre-connected location. Its multi-beam design may allow a central rooftop or tower to serve several nearby sites, reducing the number of independent radio installations.
This approach can support network densification, in which operators install additional cells to increase capacity in areas with heavy data usage. It may also be useful for business districts, industrial campuses, public events, transport hubs and temporary emergency networks.
The system’s flat-panel form factor can simplify mounting compared with larger dish antennas. Narrow electronically controlled beams can also help operators reuse spectrum across several carefully arranged links while limiting unwanted interference.
Secure Communications for Defence
The same features that make wireless backhaul valuable in rural regions can support military communications. Defence units often operate in mountainous, forested or rapidly changing environments where permanent fibre infrastructure may be unavailable.
A high-capacity wireless system can connect command posts, surveillance equipment, communication nodes and temporary operating bases. Rapid installation is particularly important when networks must be established or relocated according to operational requirements.
In June 2023, the Indian Army signed an iDEX procurement contract with Astrome for an indigenously developed Tactical LAN Radio. The Ministry of Defence described it as high-bandwidth backhaul equipment designed to create secure and reliable tactical local-area networks in remote and difficult terrain.
The Tactical LAN solution incorporates long-range point-to-multipoint connectivity and a frequency-hopping mechanism intended to reduce the risk of interception. The system was also designed to operate continuously for 48 hours on a single-set basis without breakdown.
The contract demonstrated that Astrome’s millimetre-wave and beam-forming capabilities could be adapted beyond commercial telecommunications. Indigenous ownership of the core technology can allow equipment to be customised for Indian defence requirements and integrated with secure national communication systems.
From Terrestrial Networks to Satellite Communications
Astrome’s long-term ambition extends beyond ground-based wireless backhaul. The company is applying its phased-array and beam-steering knowledge to satellite terminals and communication payloads.
Its GigaSat product is a low-profile, flat-panel satellite terminal intended for fixed and mobile applications, including maritime and land-based platforms. The antenna uses electronic beam pointing to align with satellites without relying on a conventional mechanically steered dish. Astrome says the platform can be configured for Ku, Ka and E-band frequencies and for low, medium and geostationary Earth orbit systems.
The company is also developing SpaceNet, a software-defined E-band satellite communication payload for micro and small satellites. The proposed system uses multiple steerable beams and onboard processing to route data, support satellite gateways and enable high-speed downloads from spacecraft carrying large volumes of information.
These products share important technological foundations with GigaMesh: compact phased-array antennas, multiple beams, electronic steering and software-defined communication. The difference lies in whether the radio connects two locations on Earth or connects satellites with ground stations and other spacecraft.
The Importance of Indigenous Communication Technology
Telecommunications equipment forms part of a country’s critical infrastructure. Networks carry government communications, financial transactions, emergency information, industrial data and personal communication.
Dependence on imported equipment can expose operators to supply-chain disruptions, licensing restrictions and limited control over the underlying technology. Indigenous development creates domestic expertise in radio-frequency engineering, antenna design, embedded software, signal processing, modem technology and network integration.
Astrome’s work is significant because it goes beyond assembling imported radios. The company is developing intellectual property in phased arrays, beam forming, beam steering and millimetre-wave communication—the foundational technologies that determine how the radio operates. The company reports patents covering two-way ground and satellite millimetre-wave communication and satellite-constellation optimisation.
Domestic ownership can also make it easier to adapt equipment for Indian spectrum rules, climate conditions, terrain, defence needs and rural deployment models. Indian engineers can maintain and improve the system while building skills that can support future 5G, 6G and satellite networks.
An Indian Bridge Between Fibre and Space
Astrome Technologies occupies a distinctive position in India’s deep-technology ecosystem. It is developing communication systems that connect mobile towers across the ground while applying the same core expertise to links between Earth and space.
GigaMesh addresses a practical infrastructure problem: high-capacity fibre is essential, yet laying it everywhere is difficult. By transmitting multi-gigabit data through precisely controlled E-band beams, the system can bridge locations where physical cable deployment is slow, expensive or impractical.
The technology cannot remove the need for fibre, careful network planning or resilient infrastructure. It can, however, help operators extend the reach of existing fibre networks, activate new sites more rapidly and connect difficult terrain without waiting for extensive civil construction.
From rural broadband and urban 5G backhaul to tactical military networks and satellite terminals, Astrome is creating an indigenous family of technologies built around one central capability—the precise movement of large quantities of data through steerable wireless beams.
Its journey illustrates how Make in India can progress from manufacturing conventional hardware to owning the deeper technologies that shape global communication networks.
References
Astrome Technologies — Official Website
https://astrome.co/
Astrome Technologies — GigaMesh Multi-Beam E-Band Radio
https://astrome.co/products/gigamesh/
Astrome Technologies — Company and Technology Overview
https://astrome.co/about-us/
Astrome Technologies — GigaSat Satellite Terminal
https://astrome.co/gigasat/
Astrome Technologies — SpaceNet Satellite Communication Payload
https://astrome.co/products/spacenet/
Press Information Bureau, Government of India — Indigenous GigaMesh Technology to Connect Rural Areas with High-Speed Internet
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1839852
Press Information Bureau — Technology Development Board Supports Commercialisation of GigaMesh
https://www.pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1844160
Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Defence — Indian Army Signs iDEX Contract with Astrome Technologies for Tactical LAN Radio
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1931075
Department of Telecommunications — Digital Communication Innovation Square: GigaMesh
https://dcis.dot.gov.in/page/template1/3?template=3
European Telecommunications Standards Institute — Millimetre-Wave Transmission and E-Band Applications
https://www.etsi.org/newsroom/news/861-2014-new-industry-specification-group-on-millimetre-wave-transmission-at-etsi
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