Business APAC
May 21, 2025
In a bold step toward expanding nationwide digital access, India is preparing for what could become the world’s fastest deployment of satellite communication services. Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia announced this ambitious trajectory during a speech commemorating World Telecom and Information Society Day in New Delhi on Wednesday.
Scindia emphasized the sector’s enormous potential, forecasting that India’s satcom rollout will grow the market from its current valuation of $2.3 billion to a staggering $20 billion by 2028. The initiative aims to connect the country’s most underserved and remote regions, where traditional broadband infrastructure has yet to take hold.
Fueling the Push: Public Policy and Private Partnerships
India’s satcom rollout is being driven by a combination of policy momentum and private sector interest. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has submitted key recommendations to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), laying out operational norms and spectrum guidelines. These measures are under review and expected to be greenlit in the coming months.
The rollout aligns with the government’s larger vision under the Digital India program, aiming to democratize internet access and reduce digital inequality.
Big Tech Eyes India’s Sky
India’s satcom rollout is attracting the attention of international tech giants. Elon Musk’s Starlink has already cleared a major hurdle by receiving a Letter of Intent from the DoT for a GMPCS license. The company is now awaiting final technical approvals from IN-SPACe, India’s regulatory body for private space ventures.
Amazon’s Project Kuiper is also making moves, having submitted an official application to join the Indian satellite broadband market. The entry of these players reflects both the market potential and policy readiness of India.
Domestic Momentum Building Fast
While global names are entering the field, Indian companies are not staying on the sidelines. Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb and the Reliance Jio–SES joint venture have secured all necessary regulatory licenses to begin operations. Their role in India’s satcom rollout is set to be pivotal, especially in areas where terrestrial solutions fall short.
A key component of the regulatory framework mandates that at least 20% of ground infrastructure must be locally sourced within five years of launch. This not only supports India’s manufacturing ecosystem but ensures national self-reliance in a sensitive sector.
More Than a Market Shift
The impact of India’s satcom rollout extends far beyond telecom numbers. With connectivity improving across difficult terrains — from the Himalayas to the Sundarbans — the move promises to unlock access to education, healthcare, agriculture services, and digital governance.
The rollout will also likely accelerate the integration of technologies such as IoT, AI, and blockchain in rural regions, providing a powerful multiplier effect on local development.
Outlook: A Skyward Future
India’s satcom rollout is a cornerstone of its digital strategy, bolstered by smart policy, global interest, and domestic innovation. As execution picks up speed, India is positioned not only to close its connectivity gap but to set an international example in how next-gen infrastructure can uplift millions.
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