OneWeb India has achieved a milestone by securing necessary authorizations from IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center) for the launch of Eutelsat OneWeb’s commercial satellite broadband services in India. Being the first organisation to obtain this authorization, OneWeb India’s move is a significant step in expanding satellite connectivity services in the country.
IN-SPACe: Regulating India’s Space Activities
IN-SPACe, the governmental agency overseeing space activities in India, plays a pivotal role in regulating and authorising space endeavours within the country. With this approval, Eutelsat OneWeb, a low Earth orbit (LEO) operator under the Eutelsat Group, can initiate commercial connectivity services upon receiving spectrum allocation from the Indian government.
Sunil Bharti Mittal’s Perspective
Expressing enthusiasm over the approval, Sunil Bharti Mittal, the Chairman of Bharti Group and Vice-President (co-Chair) of the board of directors of Eutelsat Group, highlighted the significance of this green light from the Indian space regulator. He emphasised that the approval aligns with India’s goal of universal internet connectivity, contributing to the realisation of the Digital India vision. Mittal conveyed Eutelsat OneWeb’s readiness to deploy services promptly upon receiving the final spectrum authorization.
Expanding Presence in the Indian Market
This development further solidifies Eutelsat OneWeb’s position in the Indian market. OneWeb India already possesses licences from the Department of Telecommunications to provide broadband services through satellite connectivity. Additionally, the business has secured in-principle approval for establishing and operating two gateways in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, ensuring the delivery of high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity to customers across India.
Cyril Dujardin on Bridging the Connectivity Gap
Cyril Dujardin, Co-General Manager of Connectivity at Eutelsat Group, emphasised the importance of collaboration with governments and regulators in bridging the global connectivity gap. Having completed its LEO (Low Earth Orbit) constellation last year, Eutelsat OneWeb is well-positioned to deliver essential connectivity services to businesses across India. Dujardin welcomed the approvals from the Indian space regulator as a significant step toward providing high-speed connectivity, even in remote locations.
