A technology was showcased at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, which will eliminate the need for internet to send data. Direct Cloud or satellite-based direct-to-cloud connectivity was highlighted in this summit, which is going on since February 16. This technology transfers data directly from satellite to cloud server and does not require traditional internet or mobile network. Let us tell you about it.
How does Direct Cloud work?
This technology is based on non-terrestrial networks (NTN), such as direct cloud links from satellite. In normal Internet, data passes through ground stations, fiber or mobile towers, but in direct cloud, satellite sends data directly from user devices (such as phones, devices or IoT sensors) to cloud servers. It was shown at the summit that it works on 3GPP Release 17 standard, where satellite NTN is supported. All the user needs is a small antenna or satellite-supported device, then the data is transmitted to the cloud. There is no need of Wi-Fi or mobile internet etc. This will make it easier to use AI apps, upload photos/videos or share real-time data in remote villages.
These companies gave demo
At the India AI Impact Summit, Skylo and other partners showed a demo, where data was sent from a device to the cloud via satellite. It was connected to AI-powered hubs like uCloudlink’s MeowGo G50 Max, which integrates orbital (satellite), in-flight, and ground networks. This device connects to satellite without external antenna and optimizes the connection with AI. With this, AI training, farming data (like crop monitoring) or health data transfer can be done in rural areas without internet.
What will be the benefit of this?
- Access to remote areas: In villages, mountains or islands of India where there is no internet, AI cloud service can be used through direct cloud. Farmers will be able to check crop health from satellite imagery.
- Real-time data: IoT devices (e.g. smart meters, drones) will send data directly to the cloud, without internet delays.
- Less cost: No need for traditional internet infrastructure. Direct connectivity with satellite will be cheaper.
- Security: Less risk of data leakage through direct link, easy end-to-end encryption.
- AI Integration: AI models will run on the cloud, the user does not need local processing.
Also read: How does a quantum computer work? Your senses will be blown away after seeing this Japanese technology
