India gearing up for 'fastest in the world' satcom roll out, says telecom minister Scindia

Communications minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced that India is set to witness the world's fastest rollout of satellite-based communication services, as the government is in process of advancing its satcom policy.

Speaking at a Trai event on the occasion of World Telecom and Information Society Day, he said that many firms have applied for permits to offer satellite based communications in the country following the telecom regulator’s recent recommendations on spectrum allocation.

This major push towards universal connectivity could potentially generate a revenue opportunity of $20 billion, marking a tenfold growth in the sector over the next three years.

“Trai has come out with its regulations for administrative assignment. Multiple players have applied for a licence, and I am very confident that this rollout on the satellite network will probably be the fastest in the world in the years to come, growing from the current $2.3 billion market to almost a $20 billion market by 2028,” Scindia said, quoted by news agencies cited by ET.

He highlighted that satellite communications will serve as a strong complement to existing terrestrial broadband, helping bridge the digital gap in remote and underserved regions. Drawing parallels with the 5G deployment which rolled out at record speed across the country, he said that India’s satcom journey could also mirror the rapid growth.
The minister said, government is eager to finalize the national satellite communication policy. Once the needed approvals are given, satellite internet will soon be available across the country.

Earlier in May, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recommended satcom spectrum to be allocated administratively at a fee of 4% of a company’s adjusted gross revenue (AGR). The proposal now awaits approval from the Union cabinet, after which satellite spectrum will be formally assigned to operators, opening doors for commercial services.