Summary Points:
- Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia invites global satcom firms to expand into India.
- The approach is “company-agnostic” and “customer-centric,” focusing on last-mile connectivity.
- Starlink, OneWeb, and Jio SES are all progressing toward spectrum approvals.
- Satcom is seen as key to reaching rural and underserved areas of India.
- Regulatory clarity and security compliance are being addressed by the government.
India is opening its doors to satellite communication (satcom) providers worldwide. Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has called upon global players to tap into the Indian market, emphasizing that a diverse ecosystem of satellite operators will offer customers more choices and improved connectivity.
Government Stance: Tech-Neutral, User-Focused
Scindia’s message is clear:
The government is neither picking favorites nor pushing agendas. It is prioritizing the customer.
“I am company-agnostic and customer-centric,” the minister said.
“We welcome all players who can help connect the unconnected.”
This shift toward inclusivity comes at a time when India’s broadband needs are surging, particularly in rural and remote regions.
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What the Government Is Doing:
- Adopting a company-neutral policy for satcom spectrum allocation
- Issuing clear regulatory and security deliverables to ease business entry
- Encouraging last-mile coverage where optical fiber and mobile networks fall short
Starlink, Jio SES, OneWeb: The Satellite Race Heats Up
The Indian government has already given initial nods to several major players:
- Jio SES, backed by Mukesh Ambani
- OneWeb Eutelsat, led by Sunil Mittal
- Starlink, helmed by Elon Musk, is also nearing approval
While formal spectrum allocation is still under deliberation, these approvals signal the beginning of satellite broadband rollouts in India.
Why Satcom Matters for India
Traditional networks cannot fully serve India’s geographic and demographic complexity.
Satellite broadband bridges that gap by offering coverage in:
- Hilly terrains
- Isolated islands
- Border villages
- Disaster-prone zones
- Regions lacking fiber infrastructure
Minister Scindia called satellite connectivity a “national imperative,” especially as India works toward digital inclusion.
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Regulatory Shift in Motion
Previously, there was friction between telecom firms and satellite operators over spectrum allocation methods.
Today, the mood has changed.
- TRAI is expected to recommend a five-year trial allocation model.
- Spectrum costs will be determined administratively but will carry a price tag.
- The focus is on enabling entry while monitoring adoption rates.
Notable Change:
Telecom firms like Airtel and Reliance Jio, once critical of satcom rivals, are now forming alliances with players like Starlink—a dramatic turnaround in strategy.
What’s Next for India’s Satcom Market?
- Clearer TRAI spectrum guidelines
- Commercial rollouts by Starlink, Jio SES, and OneWeb
- Rural broadband pilots across key states
- Greater investment from international satcom providers
India’s Global Pitch
Scindia highlighted that Elon Musk’s upcoming visit to India reflects growing global interest in the market.
He also hinted at stronger US-India tech cooperation, driven by satellite, electric vehicles, and space innovation.
“India is a great market for any global entrepreneur,” Scindia said
