OneWeb India Receives Authorization to Launch Commercial Satellite Broadband Services in India

OneWeb India has been granted authorization by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) to launch Eutelsat OneWeb commercial satellite broadband services in India. This marks a significant milestone as OneWeb India becomes the first organization to receive such authorization, according to a statement by Eutelsat OneWeb, a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite operator and part of the Eutelsat Group.

IN-SPACe, the government agency responsible for regulating space activities in India, is the authority behind this authorization. The approval allows Eutelsat OneWeb to initiate commercial connectivity services once the government allocates the necessary spectrum, as mentioned in the statement.

Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman of Bharti Group and Vice-President (Co-Chair) of the Board of Directors of Eutelsat Group, expressed satisfaction with the approval, stating that it aligns with India goal of providing internet connectivity for all and supports the vision of Digital India outlined by the Honrable Prime Minister. Mittal mentioned that Eutelsat OneWeb is prepared to launch its satellite broadband services upon receiving the final spectrum authorization.

Cyril Dujardin, Co-General Manager of Connectivity at Eutelsat Group, emphasized the company readiness to deliver high-speed connectivity to even the most remote locations in India. Having completed their low earth orbit (LEO) constellation the previous year, Eutelsat OneWeb is well-positioned to provide essential connectivity services to businesses across India.

The approval adds to Eutelsat OneWeb established presence in the Indian market, where OneWeb India already holds licenses from the Department of Telecommunications to offer broadband services using satellite connectivity.

AK Bhatt, Director General of the Indian Space Association (ISpA), welcomed the IN-SPACe authorization for OneWeb India, highlighting that it positions the company as the first to receive such approval. Bhatt expressed optimism that the government would soon decide on satellite spectrum allocation, paving the way for the next generation of satellite communications in India.

Additionally, Eutelsat OneWeb has secured in-principle approval to establish and operate two gateways in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. These gateways are expected to provide high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity to customers across India once the satellite services are rolled out.

It worth noting that other major players, including Amazon, Reliance Jio satcom unit, and Elon Musk Starlink, are also seeking approvals to launch their commercial broadband-from-space services in India. IN-SPACe, GMPCS licenses, and spectrum allocation from the Department of Telecommunications are essential requirements for any entity offering satellite communication services in the country. While licenses and approvals make companies eligible to provide services, the actual allocation of spectrum is pending a government decision on the mechanism. The Eutelsat OneWeb group, formed through the merger of two satellite operators, boasts a comprehensive fleet of 37 geostationary satellites and an LEO constellation of over 600 satellites, making it the first fully integrated GEO-LEO satellite operator.