India opens skies to Eutelsat OneWeb for satellite broadband services

India opens skies to Eutelsat OneWeb for satellite broadband services
by Sophie Jenkins
London UK (SPX) Nov 23, 2023
In a significant development for India's satellite broadband landscape, OneWeb India, part of the Eutelsat Group (Euronext Paris: ETL), has received the green light from IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre) to launch Eutelsat OneWeb's commercial satellite broadband services in the country. This landmark approval positions OneWeb India as the first organization to attain such authorization from the Indian space regulator.

IN-SPACe, a pivotal entity under the Government of India, is tasked with the regulation of space activities within the country. The authorization from IN-SPACe paves the way for Eutelsat OneWeb to initiate commercial connectivity services following the allocation of the required spectrum by the Government.

The Chairman of Bharti Group and Vice-President (Co-Chair) of the Board of Directors of Eutelsat Group, Sunil Bharti Mittal, remarked on this milestone, stating, "We are pleased to note the Indian space regulator's green light to launch Eutelsat OneWeb's commercial satellite broadband services in India. This will be a critical step forward to meet India's ambition of providing internet connectivity for all and will enable the Hon'ble Prime Minister's vision of Digital India. Eutelsat OneWeb is ready to deploy as soon as it receives the final spectrum authorization to launch commercial services."

Echoing this sentiment, Cyril Dujardin, Co-General Manager of Connectivity at Eutelsat Group, emphasized the collaborative effort needed to bridge the connectivity gap globally. He noted, "Bridging the connectivity gap around the world requires collaboration across business but also with governments and regulators. We are pleased to have received these approvals from the space regulator that bring the country a significant step closer to providing high-speed connectivity to even the most remote locations. Having completed our LEO constellation last year, we are perfectly placed to deliver this vital connectivity service to businesses across India."

The approval from IN-SPACe strengthens Eutelsat OneWeb's foothold in the Indian market. OneWeb India already possesses the required licenses from the Department of Telecommunications for providing broadband services using satellite connectivity. Moreover, the company has obtained in-principle approval to establish and operate two gateways in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. These gateways are crucial for ensuring the delivery of high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity across India, marking a paradigm shift in the nation's broadband landscape.

Eutelsat OneWeb's LEO satellite constellation, completed last year, is set to play a pivotal role in delivering these services. Designed to provide high-speed, low-latency internet globally, these satellites are particularly suited for reaching remote and underserved areas, aligning well with the Indian government's Digital India initiative.

This approval marks a major step in fulfilling the potential of satellite broadband services in India, a market characterized by its vast geographical diversity and a strong government focus on digital initiatives. As Eutelsat OneWeb gears up to deploy its services upon receiving final spectrum authorization, it stands on the brink of revolutionizing internet access in India, especially in regions hitherto underserved by traditional broadband infrastructure.