Eutelsat OneWeb, backed by Bharti, has applied for fast-track approval from the Indian Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to launch two earth station gateways in India. These gateways will be connected to its low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, aiming to offer broadband-from-space services across South Asia, excluding Pakistan and China.
In a letter to the DoT on January 29, Eutelsat OneWeb outlined its plans to position India as a global satellite communications hub, meeting the needs of international customers in South Asia. The company emphasized the geopolitical importance of the initiative, highlighting that India could leverage its satellite infrastructure for critical services such as satellite-based emergency alerts and disaster recovery across the region.
The earth station gateways, located in Mehsana (Gujarat) and Tamil Nadu, will be capable of connecting with Eutelsat OneWeb’s LEO satellites, which will serve markets beyond India. These services will include satellite broadband for internet access, inflight broadband, sea communication for commercial ships, and disaster recovery applications.
Eutelsat OneWeb’s satellite broadband offerings are also expected to provide satellite-based backhaul connectivity for South Asian telecom operators, extending broadband reach to underserved regions with limited fiber network coverage. The company will operate on a business-to-business (B2B) model, targeting international telecom and distribution partners.
This proposal aligns with India’s Space Policy 2023, which encourages Indian companies to provide satcom services globally. With its infrastructure ready for deployment, Eutelsat OneWeb is awaiting government clearance to work with international and local telecom operators in South and Southeast Asia, including Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Nepal, Bangladesh, and others.
While the company holds a GMPCS license for satellite internet services in India, satellite broadband services are not yet permitted for commercial use due to pending satellite spectrum allocation. Eutelsat OneWeb is seeking permission to utilize its Indian earth station gateways for satellite communication services in international markets.
The Indian Space Association (ISpA) has supported Eutelsat OneWeb’s request, noting that allowing satellite services beyond India would generate revenue for the Indian government. The latest recommendation from Trai also supports this move, suggesting that satcom companies be permitted to use satellite gateways in India for services outside the country once cleared by the government.
The approval of Eutelsat OneWeb’s satellite infrastructure could significantly enhance India’s role in the global satcom industry, paving the way for increased satellite connectivity across South Asia and beyond.
Key Points:
- Eutelsat OneWeb seeks DoT approval for satellite gateways in India.
- The gateways will connect to its LEO satellites, providing broadband services across South Asia.
- The company plans to offer satellite broadband, backhaul connectivity, and emergency services.
- The move aligns with India’s Space Policy 2023, aiming to boost satellite infrastructure.
