The digital economy, in particular, hinges on a robust and accessible internet infrastructure . However, the reach of traditional ground-based internet infrastructure, primarily operated by companies like Airtel and Jio through towers, antennas, and cables, is inherently localized . Extending this infrastructure to far-flung areas, hilly regions, and islands presents significant logistical and economic challenges . Furthermore, events like floods, earthquakes, and landslides can severely damage ground-based infrastructure, causing widespread internet disruptions during critical times .
This vulnerability underscores the importance of exploring alternative, more resilient solutions like satellite internet. Currently, only a little over half of India’s population has access to the internet . This translates to a substantial portion of the population, approximately 45%, remaining unconnected, hindering their participation in the digital economy and limiting their access to essential online services . Initiatives like the BharatNet project, aimed at connecting rural areas with fiber optic cables, have faced considerable delays, missing multiple deadlines . These delays further emphasize the need for complementary solutions such as satellite internet to expedite the goal of universal connectivity .
Satellite Internet: A Technological Leap for India
Recent technological advancements have revolutionized satellite internet, making it significantly more accessible than its earlier versions . Past satellite internet technology had complex user hardware and was expensive to purchase upfront, acting as a major impediment to mass adoption . Advances, especially in the field of space technology, have changed things dramatically. The introduction of reusable rockets, led by innovators such as SpaceX, has decreased significantly the cost of launching satellites into orbit . The reduction in cost has been a major driver for deployment of large satellite constellations.
In addition, user hardware for current satellite internet service has become simpler and smaller, making it easier to install and use for general consumers . Although satellite internet is likely still more costly than traditional land-based internet in most instances, the worth of having internet available in the world today, particularly in places it was not otherwise available, is well worth the investment for most individuals and businesses . In contrast to previous systems, current satellite internet companies such as Starlink employ mega-constellations that consist of thousands of satellites placed in low Earth orbit (LEO) in order to gain near-global reach .
Each satellite within such a constellation only covers a small area, usually a few hundred kilometers, but the high number of connected satellites provides ongoing connectivity . This system has major benefits over conventional geostationary (GEO) satellites, which are far closer to Earth. LEO satellites offer reduced latency, hence a more reactive internet experience, and can even offer greater bandwidth, which means they are viable for a broad spectrum of uses . In the future, the confluence of satellite internet with advanced technologies such as 5G has tremendous scope for building a genuinely ubiquitous infrastructure for connectivity 7. Experiments are now proving the viability of 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTN) that hybridize satellite and ground-based networks, with potential for improved coverage and resilience 17.
Opening Up Opportunities: Advantages of Satellite Internet in India:
The use of satellite internet in India offers an array of opportunities across multiple industries, meeting pressing connectivity requirements and driving socio-economic development 5. The biggest advantage may well be its power to bridge the digital divide and bring internet services to the myriad homes, schools, hospitals, and other institutions in underserved rural and distant areas 5. By networking the unconnected, satellite internet can empower communities and individuals through access to online education, telemedicine, e-governance services, and new economic possibilities, thus generating inclusive growth 5. Aside from connecting far-flung land masses, satellite internet provides an ideal solution to bringing connectivity into areas where traditional infrastructure is not feasible by its very nature, such as on airplanes, boats, and off-shore oil rigs 5. This has the potential to greatly improve operating efficiency, safety, and experience in industries like aviation and maritime 5. The government, too, can use satellite internet to enhance the effectiveness of several critical functions it performs, including monitoring forests and wildlife, providing safer and better-connected railway systems, and raising agricultural practices and healthcare delivery standards in remote parts of the country 5. The Railway Minister has particularly stressed the potential benefits of satellite internet for enhancing rail safety and connectivity 5. Satellite internet also has a huge role to play in disaster management, providing valuable connectivity for early warning systems and enabling post-disaster rescue and relief operations when ground infrastructure becomes non-functional . Its ability to continue functioning despite natural calamities renders it an emergency communication tool that is priceless in value . The advantage also extends to military communications and surveillance operations with secure and dependable communication channels provided in strategic locations that are oftentimes remote 5. Finally, the process of developing and deploying satellite internet infrastructure in India is likely to create new job opportunities and demand for a trained workforce in terms of satellite manufacture, launch operation, ground station management, and service provision 5. It will help increase upskilling and overall country economic growth
Steering Through the Challenges: Drawbacks and Considerations:
Though it has many benefits, the mass adoption of satellite internet in India has some challenges and considerations that must be dealt with cautiously. One of the major issues is the price of satellite internet services and the related user equipment 5. Although decreasing costs have been brought about by technological advancements, satellite internet, especially high-bandwidth and low-latency services, will remain more costly than traditional fiber-based internet, particularly in an India market that is sensitive to price 5. The initial cost of the user terminal, e.g., the satellite dish, plus monthly subscription charges can be a major deterrent for individual consumers and small businesses 11. Although LEO satellite constellations are engineered to have lower latency than GEO satellites, it remains an issue that must be addressed, particularly for real-time applications such as online gaming and certain forms of financial trading 11. The user experience for such applications must be on par with terrestrial broadband or else will find limited acceptance. Another vital aspect is the potential reliance on foreign-owned satellite constellations for internet services 5. For sensitive operations, especially those concerning national security, depending totally on infrastructure that is owned and operated by players who are not Indian origin players poses potential risks concerning data security, sovereignty, and potential vulnerabilities 5. This calls for a strategic vision towards developing indigenous satellite internet capabilities in the long run. Bypassing the intricate regulatory environment in India is another formidable challenge for satellite internet providers 5. Acquisition of the requisite licenses and clearances to provide satellite internet services can be a time-consuming and complex process, as seen in the efforts of providers like Starlink in getting clearances 10. Transparent and simplified regulations are indispensable to induce investments and promote the development of the industry. Lastly, the foray of satellite internet companies into the Indian market may alter the current dynamics of the telecommunications sector and create anxiety and possible pushback from incumbent internet service providers 10. It will be crucial to have a harmonized approach by which satellite internet and terrestrial internet coexist as complementary services for India’s digital ecosystem to grow as a whole 10.
6. The Competitive Landscape: Major Players and Their Strategies
The Indian satellite internet market is drawing considerable attention from both international technology leaders and mature domestic telecom players, resulting in a dynamic and changing competitive environment 5.
Starlink (SpaceX): With its vast mega-constellation of LEO satellites, Starlink has shown keen interest in entering the Indian market and has already partnered with both Jio and Airtel 5. Starlink’s world-wide reach and technically superior network make it a force to reckon with and capable of grabbing a substantial market share in India, subject to overcoming the regulatory challenges 5.
Airtel: One of the leading players in the Indian telecommunications industry, Airtel has declared its intentions to roll out satellite internet services in India. It is collaborating with Eutelsat OneWeb, using their LEO technology, and will utilize its current widespread ground infrastructure for service distribution 5. Airtel has already constructed its base stations in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu and is waiting for spectrum allocation 8. Airtel’s well-established market presence and strategic alliances give it a solid basis for deploying and scaling satellite internet services in India 5.
Jio: The other industry leader in Indian telecommunications, Jio already launched its satellite internet service, Jio Space Fiber, with the help of MEO satellites 5. The approach of Jio seems to emphasize delivering affordable internet services to distant and unconnected parts of the world. Jio Space Fiber is in pilot phases, with final regulatory clearances pending before a full-scale commercial launch 12. Jio’s aggressive focus on affordability and its large current subscriber base would make Jio Space Fiber a serious player in the mass market segment of satellite internet 5.
Eutelsat OneWeb: This international satellite internet operator is teaming up with Airtel to provide LEO network services in India 5. Eutelsat OneWeb has also signed a distribution deal with Hughes to supply services to enterprise and government customers, especially where fiber connectivity is limited 7. With its proven LEO technology and strategic partnership with Airtel, Eutelsat OneWeb is poised for success in the Indian market 5.
Amazon Project Kuiper: E-commerce giant Amazon is also looking at the Indian satellite internet space with its Project Kuiper, which plans to launch a massive constellation of LEO satellites 13. Amazon has filed the required papers with the Department of Telecommunications for a satellite communication license 13. The presence of a big international player like Amazon may further heighten competition and spur innovation in India’s satellite internet space 13.
The following table captures the major players in the Indian satellite internet market:
Company
Technology
Key Partnerships
Current Status
Starlink (SpaceX)
LEO
Jio, Airtel
Pending regulatory approvals, applied 10
Airtel
LEO
Eutelsat OneWeb
Base stations equipped, waiting for spectrum allocation 8
Jio
MEO
SES (joint venture)
Pilot phases, waiting for final regulatory approvals 11
Eutelsat OneWeb
LEO
Airtel (Hughes for distribution)
Waiting for service launch (pending approvals) 7
Amazon Kuiper
LEO
Applied documents for license, under review 13
7. Policy and Regulatory Framework: Shaping the Future of Satellite Internet:
Government policies and regulations will be instrumental in determining the pace of satellite internet adoption in India 5. Transparent and comprehensive guidelines will be necessary for various areas, ranging from licensing of satellite internet providers to spectrum allocation, data privacy and security, and protection of consumer interests 5. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is currently in the stage of finalizing its recommendations on satellite communications, which have been under debate for the last two years 12. The recommendations will be expected to address key issues like revenue-sharing models, methodologies of allocating spectrum, pricing of services, and other relevant regulatory measures 12. The finalization of the recommendations, which is expected to take place as early as March 2025, will bring much-needed regulatory clarity and set the stage for the commercial launch of satellite internet services by various players, potentially beginning as early as June 2025 12. Government has shown a preference for administrative allotment of satellite spectrum, a model preferred by the likes of Starlink, over auctioning it 10. It is international best practice and could potentially hasten the entry of satellite internet providers into the Indian market 10. Aside from specific regulations covering satellite communications, a facilitatory policy regime across various related areas is critical for giving rise to a healthy satellite internet ecosystem in India 5. This includes policies related to launch services, general telecommunication norms, ease of mobility of talent, ease of financial procedures, and dealing with insurance and liability issues 5. A forward-thinking and integrated policy framework will play a crucial role in driving in investments and promoting innovation in the satellite internet space 5. Government also has the important responsibility of striking a balance between ensuring the rapid deployment of satellite internet services and key national security concerns 5. This is all the more critical considering the involvement of foreign-owned satellite constellations. Securing data privacy, blocking the abuse of these networks for criminal purposes, and perhaps catalyzing indigenous satellite internet capabilities development will be important policy priorities 5. With its natural global and boundary-less nature, India can position itself not just as a large consumer of satellite internet services but also as a center for supplying these services to the rest of the world by capitalizing on its increasing skill in space technology 5.
8. Conclusion: Charting the Course for Satellite Internet in India:
Satellite internet is full of promise for changing the face of connectivity in India, especially in bridging the chronic digital divide and promoting inclusive growth throughout the country. Its reach to distant and underserved areas, offering resilient connectivity during disasters, and enabling critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and governance make it a key part of India’s digital backbone. While issues like cost, regulatory issues, and security are to be addressed with caution and strategic planning, the opportunities offered by satellite internet cannot be ignored. A positive and visionary policy environment from the government will play a key role in realizing the true potential of this technology. By creating a favorable climate for investment and innovation, India can leverage the potential of satellite internet to create a digitally empowered nation and become a leading player in the global satellite connectivity market. The successful integration of satellite internet will necessitate a collaborative approach involving the government, private sector players, and other stakeholders, working together to navigate the challenges and capitalize on the immense opportunities that lie ahead.