{"id":176051,"date":"2025-09-23T10:19:14","date_gmt":"2025-09-23T10:19:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/176051\/"},"modified":"2025-09-23T10:19:14","modified_gmt":"2025-09-23T10:19:14","slug":"exclusivefuture-of-satellite-internet-in-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/176051\/","title":{"rendered":"Exclusive:Future of Satellite Internet in India"},"content":{"rendered":"

India is one of the fastest-growing digital nations in the world, with internet connectivity playing a crucial role in its progress. This momentum is reflected in the staggering\u00a01,002.85 million internet subscribers reported during April\u2013June 2025, highlighting the scale and impact of India\u2019s digital revolution. However, internet penetration remains limited in certain regions of the country, underscoring the need for satellite internet to complement existing networks.<\/p>\n

Satellite internet\u00a0refers to the internet service provided through satellites placed in Geostationary Orbits (GSO) or Non-Geostationary Orbits (NGSO).\u00a0<\/p>\n

For realising the Digital India vision of a digitally inclusive nation, satellite internet is an emerging technology with the potential to provide\u00a0connectivity from space to any location.\u00a0This makes it particularly valuable for remote villages, hilly terrains, border areas, and islands where terrestrial internet services are either difficult to reach or economically unviable.<\/p>\n

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India\u2019s Regulatory Landscape for Satellite Internet<\/p>\n

The government has introduced a progressive regulatory framework to govern Satellite Communications (Satcom), aiming to balance innovation with security and spectrum management. Recent policy measures are shaping an environment for private participation, streamlined approvals, and efficient spectrum use, paving the way for large-scale adoption of satellite internet.<\/p>\n

In 2020, the Government introduced\u00a0Space Sector Reforms\u00a0to open the doors for private sector participation in space activities. Building on this momentum, the\u00a0Indian Space Policy, 2023\u00a0established a level playing field for Non-Government Entities (NGEs) in the space sector by enabling their participation across the entire value chain of space activities in an end-to-end manner.<\/p>\n

Department of Telecommunications (DoT)<\/p>\n

DoT\u00a0regulates provision of satellite-based communication by granting authorisations\u00a0under the\u00a0Unified Licence Regime\u00a0framework, enabling a range of satellite-based services such as Commercial VSAT CUG services, GMPCS (Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite), etc. These services are designed to complement terrestrial networks, extending connectivity to remote and unserved regions across the country. The\u00a0Telecommunications Act, 2023\u00a0empowers the government to assign spectrum, enforce security conditions and, regulate satellite-based services as part of the broader telecom ecosystem.<\/p>\n

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)<\/p>\n

In May 2025, TRAI released its recommendations on the terms and conditions for the assignment of spectrum for satellite-based commercial communication services. To balance the regulatory framework with flexibility and efficiency in spectrum utilization. One of the key recommendations of TRAI is to assign the satellite spectrum for a period of\u00a0five years, with the option to extend for\u00a0up to two additional years\u00a0based on market conditions.<\/p>\n

Indian National Space Promotion & Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe)<\/p>\n

IN-SPACe plays a pivotal role in enabling satellite internet in India.\u00a0It is responsible for promoting, authorizing and supervising various space activities of the non-governmental entities (NGEs). This nodal agency acts as an\u00a0interface between ISRO and NGEs, facilitating the growth of space-based activities including the use of India\u2019s satellite resources for broadband connectivity. It also assesses the needs of private players, including educational and research institutions, as well as explores ways to accommodate these requirements in consultation with ISRO.<\/p>\n

New Space India Ltd. (NSIL)<\/p>\n

NSIL is a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Department of Space. It is incorporated as the\u00a0commercial arm of ISRO. NSIL is currently operating\u00a015 in-orbit communication satellites\u00a0and providing space-based communication services to various Indian users.<\/p>\n

India\u2019s Transitioning Satcom Landscape\u00a0<\/p>\n

India\u2019s satellite communication (Satcom) ecosystem is undergoing a transformative shift. Traditionally dependent on the\u00a0Geostationary Satellite (GSAT) of\u00a0Indian Space Research Organisation\u2019s (ISRO) and other satellite operators\u2019\u00a0series, the sector is now witnessing more active private participation and the adoption of next-generation Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellite systems. With the rollout of space sector reforms India is set to harness satellite internet as a key driver of\u00a0Digital India.<\/p>\n

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Role of NSIL in Satellite Communications<\/p>\n


\n\tNSIL plays a pivotal role in meeting India\u2019s satellite communication requirements through demand-driven missions and operational services. To address the national requirements in Satellite Communications, NSIL undertook two\u00a0Demand-Driven Satellite Missions\u2014
\n
\n\t
\n\t\tGSAT-N1 [GSAT-24] for Direct-To-Home (DTH) services,\u00a0which has commenced its operational services.
\n\t\tGSAT-N2 [GSAT-20] for broadband connectivity\u00a0which is currently undergoing in-orbit testing and commissioning operations.
\n\t\tNSIL has also proposed\u00a0its 3rd\u00a0Demand-Driven Satellite Mission,\u00a0GSAT-N3\u00a0slated for\u00a0Q1 2026for the government\u2019s S-Band communication needs.
\n\t
\n\t
\n\tSatellite Band Services: Satellite communication services and other space services are managed by NSIL through its ISAT\/ GSAT satellites for extending multiple applications in\u00a0S, C, Extended C, Ka and Ku bands. <\/p>\n

Understanding the Satellite Communication Spectrum<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

In satellite communications, frequency bands serve as the essential channels through which voice, data, and broadband signals are transmitted between Earth and space. The popular frequency bands used for providing satellite communication services are:<\/p>\n

Shift to LEO\/MEO-based Satellite Internet Services<\/p>\n

Driven by the need for\u00a0lower latency, higher bandwidth, and more reliable coverage\u00a0across remote and unserved regions, India is reimagining its satellite internet landscape from\u00a0GEO (Geostationary Earth Orbit)\u00a0satellites to\u00a0LEO (Low Earth Orbit)\u00a0and\u00a0MEO (Medium Earth Orbit)systems.\u00a0This transition will deliver faster and more reliable internet connectivity nationwide.<\/p>\n

LEO satellites\u00a0orbit close to Earth, typically between\u00a0400 to 2,000 km altitude. Their proximity allows for low-latency communication, making them ideal for internet services.\u00a0<\/p>\n

MEO satellites\u00a0operate at altitudes ranging from\u00a08,000 to 20,000 km.\u00a0They cover larger regions than LEO satellites and have a slightly higher latency than LEO satellites.<\/p>\n

Policy Reforms<\/p>\n

With the rollout of\u00a0space sector reforms, the government now permits\u00a0up to 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)\u00a0in different segments of the space sector through automatic and government approval routes, thereby liberalising entry norms for\u00a0private participation,\u00a0marking the transition of India\u2019s satcom landscape.<\/p>\n

Industry Developments<\/p>\n

Marking a major step in strengthening the nation\u2019s digital connectivity landscape,\u00a0Starlink Satellite Communications Pvt. Ltd. (SSCPL) in June 2025received a license to launch satellite internet services in India. Prior to it, Jio Satellite Communication Limited and OneWeb India Communications Private Limited have been granted license for providing such services.\u00a0<\/p>\n

As of April 2025,\u00a0more than 10 satellite operators\u00a0have shown interest and applied for authorization to provide satellite capacity in India.<\/p>\n

The entry of private-sector players in the space sector marks a significant step towards\u00a0Viksit Bharat 2047, setting the stage for a seamless rollout of high-speed satellite broadband across the nation. The transitioning Satcom landscape underscores the government\u2019s focus on fostering innovation and next-generation technologies.<\/p>\n

Government Initiatives: Expanding Inclusive Digital Connectivity\u00a0<\/p>\n

The government has launched several initiatives to extend mobile and internet connectivity to the nation’s remotest areas, empowering individuals and communities alike. In today\u2019s digital era, such connectivity serves as a catalyst for socio-economic development, unlocking access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.<\/p>\n

Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), formerly Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF))<\/p>\n

Under Digital Bharat Nidhi, the government is implementing various schemes for the expansion of broadband facilities through\u00a0installation of 4G mobile towers\u00a0in the rural and remote areas of the country under the\u00a04G saturation project. Further, DBN has been instrumental in\u00a0funding projects\u00a0that extend mobile and broadband connectivity to underserved areas.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

The government has implemented\u00a0Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan (CTDP) for islands\u00a0to provide connectivity to Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.\u00a0Satellite Bandwidth Augmentationexecuted by BSNL\u00a0(Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited)increased capacity\u00a0from 2 Gbps to 4 Gbps in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands\u00a0and\u00a0from 318 Mbps to 1.71 Gbps in Lakshadweep. This satellite boost supplements fibre cables to ensure resilient telecom service coverage across the islands.<\/p>\n


\n\tFor North-Eastern Regions: <\/p>\n

The government has implemented\u00a0CTDP\u00a0for providing mobile connectivity to villages and areas along National Highways with the objective of extending mobile network access to underserved population. As of June 2025, 2,485 mobile towers\u00a0have been commissioned, providing mobile connectivity to\u00a03,389 locations.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

National Broadband Mission 2.0 (NBM 2.0)<\/p>\n

NBM 2.0 was launched on January 17, 2025, after the successful completion of NBM 1.0 with the goal of extending broadband services to the remaining\u00a01.7 lakh villages\u00a0across the country. The NBM 2.0 aims to propel India into a new era of digital transformation and global competitiveness aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat. Key components under NBM 2.0 are:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Funded under DBN, BharatNet\u00a0is an ambitious project aimed at providing\u00a0affordable high-speed internetaccess to every Gram Panchayat in the country, bridging the gap between urban and rural communities. The satellite component of this project is being implemented by\u00a0BBNL\u00a0(Bharat Broadband Network Limited) and\u00a0BSNL\u00a0under Phase II. So far,\u00a0over 2.14 lakh Gram Panchayats\u00a0are connected through the BharatNet project, with BSNL covering\u00a01,408\u00a0and BBNL covering\u00a03,753\u00a0of them.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n


\n\tPrime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI): <\/p>\n

PM-WANI is designed to create a network of public Wi-Fi hotspots across India. It aims to make affordable and reliable internet access available to citizens, fostering digital participation and economic opportunities. More than 3.73 lakh\u00a0PM-WANI Wi-Fi hotspots\u00a0have been installed in the country, as of September 2025.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) has developed a Geographic Information System\u00a0(GIS)-based Decision Support System (DSS).\u00a0It uses internet connectivity to deliver timely and impact-based early warnings for extreme weather events. The system relies on historical data, real-time observations, radar, and satellite imagery. It helps disaster-prone states monitor risks and take measures to protect lives, livelihoods, and\u00a0infrastructure.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Together, these efforts underscore India\u2019s commitment to employing satellite communication to strengthen digital infrastructure and improve public services.<\/p>\n

India\u2019s Key Broadband-Based Satellites\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/p>\n

India\u2019s broadband reach is steadily expanding through high-throughput satellites (HTS) developed by ISRO, which use advanced spot-beam technology to provide faster speeds and higher capacity.\u00a0India has a fleet of 19 operational communication satellites, among which GSAT-19, GSAT-29, GSAT-11, and GSAT-N2 are specifically geared towards boosting India\u2019s broadband services. These satellites are designed to enhance internet connectivity in underserved areas, support in-flight communication, defence networks and disaster management. Together, they form the backbone of satellite-based broadband infrastructure in India, complementing ground-based networks like BharatNet.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/p>\n

In line with the vision of\u00a0Viksit Bharat 2047,\u00a0satellite internet is emerging as a key enabler of digital connectivity, extending reliable access to remote and underserved regions, while strengthening critical applications in defence and disaster response. Through the power of space technology, India is reinforcing its strategic autonomy and leadership in space-based communications, ensuring that the benefits of connectivity reach every citizen. From operationalising HTS to enabling private participation in satellite communications, the country is steadily bridging its digital divide.<\/p>\n


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