India’s satellite broadband industry is approaching a significant milestone, with Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb, Jio Satellite Communications and Starlink progressing towards the launch of commercial satellite internet services. The three operators have secured the necessary telecommunications licences but must complete security assessments and obtain spectrum assignments before beginning full commercial operations.
On 8 October 2026, the Ministry of Communications clarified that all three companies had received Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licences for operating non-geostationary satellite communication systems. The government confirmed that the operators remain at broadly similar stages of the regulatory process, with security assessments continuing under the applicable licensing conditions.
The development comes as India prepares to introduce a new generation of satellite-based connectivity capable of complementing existing fibre-optic and mobile networks. Satellite broadband offers opportunities to connect remote villages, mountainous regions, islands and industrial locations where conventional telecommunications infrastructure is difficult or expensive to establish.
Government Clarifies Regulatory Position of Satellite Broadband Operators
The Ministry of Communications issued an official clarification on 8 October 2026 concerning the authorisation process for companies seeking to provide satellite broadband services in India. According to the ministry, three operators have received GMPCS licences, but these licences do not automatically permit the commencement of commercial services.
Each operator must complete the prescribed security assessment before progressing to the next stage of regulatory approval. Once the assessment is completed, the company can seek the assignment of radio-frequency spectrum required for satellite communications. The government emphasised that these requirements apply uniformly to all licensed operators.
The clarification followed public allegations by SpaceX founder Elon Musk regarding delays affecting Starlink’s entry into the Indian market. The ministry rejected suggestions of discriminatory treatment and reaffirmed that commercial operators must comply with the same applicable regulatory and security conditions.
The government’s statement establishes that receiving a telecommunications licence represents an important initial approval rather than final permission to begin commercial operations. The completion of security assessments, spectrum assignment and technical compliance will determine when satellite broadband providers can begin offering services to Indian customers.
Bharti-Backed Eutelsat OneWeb Prepares for Commercial Operations
Eutelsat OneWeb is among the leading satellite broadband operators preparing to enter the Indian market. The company operates a low-Earth-orbit satellite constellation designed to provide broadband connectivity across geographically dispersed regions, including locations that lack reliable terrestrial communication infrastructure.
Bharti Enterprises became a major investor in OneWeb during the company’s restructuring and subsequently retained a significant interest following the combination of OneWeb and Eutelsat in 2023. This investment has positioned Bharti as an important participant in the international satellite communications industry while supporting its ambitions to expand connectivity services in India.
OneWeb’s business model focuses significantly on enterprise, telecommunications, government and institutional customers. Its satellite network can provide internet connectivity to remote offices, industrial facilities, educational institutions and telecommunications infrastructure located beyond the reach of conventional fibre networks.
The company has also invested in developing ground infrastructure necessary for satellite communication services in India. These facilities connect signals received from satellites to terrestrial telecommunications networks, allowing users to access the wider internet and other communication services.
Speaking during India Mobile Congress 2026, Bharti Enterprises Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal indicated that satellite communication services could begin once the remaining government approvals were obtained. Although the company has made preparations for commercial deployment, a definitive launch date has not been established.
Jio Satellite Communications Expands India’s Digital Connectivity Options
Jio Satellite Communications Limited, associated with Reliance Jio, represents another major Indian participant in the emerging satellite broadband market. The company is developing capabilities that could complement Reliance Jio’s extensive fibre-optic infrastructure and mobile telecommunications network.
Reliance has pursued satellite broadband opportunities through partnerships with established international operators. In February 2022, Jio Platforms and Luxembourg-based SES announced a joint venture intended to deliver satellite broadband services across India using satellite technology.
SES operates communication satellites in geostationary and medium-Earth orbits. Its medium-Earth-orbit systems provide a different combination of coverage, network capacity and transmission delay compared with low-Earth-orbit constellations.
For Jio, satellite connectivity offers the possibility of extending broadband services to regions where constructing terrestrial infrastructure is economically challenging. It could also provide additional communication capacity for businesses, government organisations and remote industrial operations.
The integration of satellite services with Jio’s existing telecommunications infrastructure may eventually support a broader connectivity network combining fibre, mobile communications and satellite technology. However, commercial deployment remains dependent on completing the necessary security and spectrum-related requirements.
Starlink Brings Low-Earth-Orbit Satellite Broadband Technology
Starlink, operated by American aerospace company SpaceX, has developed a large constellation of low-Earth-orbit satellites designed to provide broadband internet connectivity across extensive geographical areas.
Unlike traditional geostationary communication satellites positioned approximately 35,786 kilometres above the Earth’s equator, Starlink’s satellites operate at considerably lower altitudes. This reduces the distance that communication signals must travel between Earth and the spacecraft, helping provide lower transmission latency.
The technology supports internet applications including video conferencing, cloud services, online education and enterprise communications. Its service architecture uses specialised terminals that communicate with satellites passing overhead, allowing users to connect without a continuous terrestrial cable connection.
Starlink has already established commercial operations in several international markets and is pursuing entry into India. The company has also entered into separate commercial arrangements with Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio for the potential distribution of Starlink equipment and services following regulatory approval.
These arrangements demonstrate how telecommunications companies can compete in some areas while cooperating in others. Airtel and Jio may use their established distribution networks and customer relationships to support satellite broadband services alongside their existing mobile and fibre offerings.
Starlink’s Indian operations remain subject to the applicable regulatory requirements, including security assessments and the assignment of satellite communication spectrum.
Understanding India’s Satellite Broadband Regulatory Framework
India’s satellite communication industry operates under a regulatory structure involving several government authorities, each responsible for different aspects of telecommunications and space activities.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) oversees telecommunications licensing and the authorisation of communication services. Companies seeking to provide satellite broadband must obtain the relevant telecommunications permissions and comply with associated operating conditions.
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), functioning under the Department of Space, regulates and authorises applicable private space activities. Its responsibilities include examining proposals involving satellite systems and associated space operations.
The Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing of DoT manages radio-frequency spectrum assignments. Satellite operators must obtain access to the frequency bands required to establish communication links between satellites, ground stations and customer terminals.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) provides recommendations concerning spectrum assignment, licensing conditions and other regulatory matters. Its work helps establish the technical and commercial framework within which satellite broadband providers can operate.
The involvement of these authorities reflects the technical complexity of satellite communications, which must coordinate telecommunications services, orbital infrastructure, radio-frequency management and national security requirements.
Satellite Spectrum Assignment Remains a Major Requirement
Satellite broadband networks rely on radio-frequency spectrum to transmit information between spacecraft, ground infrastructure and user terminals. Without access to the necessary frequencies, an operator cannot provide communication services even after obtaining its initial telecommunications licence.
Commercial satellite networks commonly use frequency bands such as Ku and Ka for broadband communication. These bands support high-capacity data transmission but require careful coordination to prevent harmful interference between different satellite systems and terrestrial networks.
Spectrum assignment determines the frequencies an operator may use and the technical conditions governing those transmissions. These conditions can influence network performance, coverage, equipment requirements and operating costs.
In May 2025, TRAI issued recommendations concerning the terms and conditions for assigning spectrum to satellite-based commercial communication services. The recommendations addressed matters including spectrum pricing, assignment duration and obligations applicable to operators.
The regulatory process continued through subsequent consultations and exchanges between TRAI and DoT. In April 2026, TRAI released an additional consultation paper examining the framework for satellite communication network authorisations and spectrum assignments.
The finalisation and implementation of these arrangements will play an important role in determining the commercial operating environment for satellite broadband providers in India.
Security Assessments Are Essential Before Commercial Launch
Satellite broadband infrastructure differs from conventional terrestrial networks because its communication systems can involve satellites, ground gateways, user terminals and network management facilities distributed across multiple locations and jurisdictions.
The security assessment process is intended to establish whether an operator can comply with India’s telecommunications security requirements. These may include controls over network access, communication management, lawful interception obligations and the protection of telecommunications infrastructure.
Satellite service providers must demonstrate that their technical and operational arrangements meet the conditions attached to their licences. The requirements are particularly relevant because satellite networks may carry communications for businesses, government institutions and critical infrastructure.
The Ministry of Communications confirmed on 8 October that the security assessments of all three licensed operators were continuing. The ministry also clarified that companies completing these assessments would become eligible to proceed towards satellite spectrum assignment.
This sequence establishes a common regulatory process for operators using different satellite technologies and commercial models. It also means that the timing of commercial services depends on individual companies completing the required assessments and obtaining the remaining permissions.
Satellite Broadband Could Transform Connectivity in Remote India
India has substantially expanded its telecommunications infrastructure through fibre-optic networks, mobile broadband and digital connectivity programmes. Nevertheless, providing reliable internet access across geographically challenging regions remains an important infrastructure requirement.
Mountainous districts, remote islands, forested regions and sparsely populated areas can present difficulties for conventional telecommunications development. Laying fibre-optic cables across challenging terrain may involve substantial construction expenditure, while mobile towers require dependable electricity and connections to the wider communications network.
Satellite broadband offers an additional means of connecting these locations without requiring a continuous terrestrial cable connection to every customer site. A satellite terminal communicates with spacecraft overhead, while ground infrastructure connects the satellite network to the broader internet.
This architecture can support educational institutions, healthcare facilities, government offices and communities that lack dependable terrestrial broadband services. It may also provide alternative connectivity during natural disasters when conventional communications infrastructure has been damaged.
The practical benefits will depend on service availability, pricing, equipment costs and the reliability of the network under local conditions. Satellite broadband is therefore most relevant as a complementary technology, particularly in regions where terrestrial alternatives remain limited.
Indian Industries Could Benefit from Satellite Connectivity
Satellite broadband has applications beyond household internet access. Several Indian industries operate across geographically dispersed locations where reliable communication infrastructure is essential but difficult to establish.
Mining companies require connectivity for operational monitoring, equipment management and communication between remote extraction sites and central offices. Energy companies may need communication systems for installations located in isolated regions, including renewable energy facilities and transmission infrastructure.
Maritime operators depend on satellite communications for ship-to-shore connectivity, navigation-related information and operational coordination. Ports and offshore facilities can also use satellite networks to supplement their existing telecommunications infrastructure.
In agriculture, satellite broadband could help connect remote monitoring equipment, weather information services and digital advisory platforms. Such applications may support the wider adoption of connected agricultural technologies in areas where conventional network coverage is inadequate.
Infrastructure companies developing roads, railways and energy projects in remote regions could similarly use satellite connections to support project management and the exchange of operational information.
These applications create opportunities for connectivity providers to develop specialised services tailored to the requirements of different industries.
Satellite Broadband Could Create New Opportunities for Indian Manufacturing
The introduction of commercial satellite broadband services will also require investment in ground-based equipment, communication infrastructure and technical support services.
Satellite gateways use specialised antennas, radio-frequency electronics, networking equipment and power systems to connect spacecraft with terrestrial communication networks. Customer installations require terminals capable of tracking or electronically communicating with satellites as they move across the sky.
Indian electronics manufacturers and engineering companies could participate in supplying selected components, communications equipment and supporting infrastructure. Network installation, system integration and maintenance activities may also create opportunities for domestic service providers.
The scale of Indian manufacturing participation will depend on technology partnerships, procurement arrangements and the technical requirements of individual satellite networks. Some specialised components may initially depend on international supply chains, while other equipment and services could be sourced domestically.
As satellite broadband deployment expands, demand for ground infrastructure and customer equipment could support the growth of India’s telecommunications electronics industry.
The development also complements India’s wider efforts to strengthen domestic capabilities in satellite manufacturing, communication technologies and commercial space services.
Integration with Fibre and 5G Networks Could Improve Connectivity
Satellite broadband is increasingly being developed as part of a wider telecommunications architecture rather than as a replacement for conventional mobile and fibre networks.
Fibre-optic infrastructure remains important for transporting large volumes of data between cities, businesses, data centres and telecommunications facilities. Mobile networks provide convenient wireless connectivity across populated regions, while satellites can extend services into locations where conventional infrastructure is difficult to deploy.
One application is satellite backhaul for mobile telecommunications towers. In such arrangements, a satellite connection carries data between a remote tower and the operator’s core network, reducing the need for a dedicated fibre connection.
Satellite networks may also improve communications resilience by providing alternative routes when terrestrial infrastructure experiences disruptions. This capability can be valuable for remote communities, emergency services and selected critical operations.
Integrating different technologies requires appropriate network management, equipment compatibility and commercial coordination. The effectiveness of hybrid systems also depends on capacity availability, transmission delay and service costs.
For India, the combination of fibre, 5G and satellite broadband provides an opportunity to develop a more geographically extensive and resilient telecommunications infrastructure.
Commercial Launch Will Depend on Final Regulatory Compliance
The Ministry of Communications’ clarification of 8 October 2026 provides an important indication of the current position of India’s emerging satellite broadband industry.
Eutelsat OneWeb, Jio Satellite Communications and Starlink have progressed through initial telecommunications licensing, but security assessments and spectrum assignments remain necessary before commercial deployment.
Once these requirements are completed, operators will still need to establish customer distribution arrangements, deploy appropriate equipment and ensure their networks are ready to provide reliable services.
Commercial pricing will be another important factor influencing adoption. Satellite broadband must offer a practical balance between service quality, equipment costs and subscription charges, particularly for consumers and businesses in remote regions.
Competition between different satellite technologies and service providers could eventually expand the range of connectivity options available to Indian customers. The development of local distribution networks and technical support capabilities will also influence how widely these services can be deployed.
India’s satellite broadband industry is entering an important phase as established telecommunications companies and international satellite operators prepare for commercial operations. With the regulatory framework progressing and multiple providers developing their infrastructure, satellite connectivity is positioned to become an additional component of India’s digital economy, extending communications capabilities to remote communities, businesses and essential infrastructure.
References
- Ministry of Communications, Government of India — India’s Regulatory Framework for Satellite Communication Services Is Fair and Non-Discriminatory. Press Information Bureau, 8 October 2026.
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2320510 - Telecom Regulatory Authority of India — Recommendations on Terms and Conditions for the Assignment of Spectrum for Certain Satellite-Based Commercial Communication Services. 9 May 2025.
https://www.trai.gov.in/recommendations-terms-and-conditions-assignment-spectrum-certain-satellite-based-commercial - Telecom Regulatory Authority of India — Consultation Paper on the Framework for Satellite Communication Network Authorisation and Assignment of Spectrum to Satellite Communication Network Providers. 8 April 2026.
https://www.trai.gov.in/consultation-paper-framework-satellite-communication-network-authorisation-and-assignment-spectrum - Department of Telecommunications, Government of India — Commercial VSAT Licensing and Spectrum Assignment Requirements.
https://eservices.dot.gov.in/commercial-vsat-cug - SES — Jio Platforms and SES Announce Joint Venture to Deliver High-Performance Satellite Broadband Services Across India. Official announcement, 14 February 2022.
https://www.ses.com/press-release/jio-platforms-ltd-and-ses-announce-joint-venture-deliver-high-performance-satellite - Bharti Enterprises Chairman Says Satellite Communication Services Await Final Approvals. Financial Express, 8 October 2026.
https://www.financialexpress.com/business/news-awaiting-approval-of-satcom-services-sunil-mittal-4356816/ - India Denies Bias in Satellite Internet Approvals After Musk’s Allegations. Reuters, 8 October 2026.
https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/india-denies-bias-satellite-internet-approvals-after-musks-oligarchs-jab-2026-10-08/
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