Hyderabad-based Ananth Technologies is set to make history by becoming the first private Indian company to offer satellite communication (satcom) services using an entirely India-built satellite. This milestone marks a major shift in India’s space sector, which has traditionally been dominated by ISRO, and places Ananth Technologies in direct competition with global players like SpaceX’s Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb, and Amazon’s Project Kuiper.
IN-SPACe Gives the Green Light
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), the country’s space regulator, has approved Ananth Technologies to begin offering broadband-from-space services by 2028. The company will use a geostationary (GEO) communication satellite weighing 4 tonnes, with a planned data capacity of up to 100 gigabits per second (Gbps). The project has received an initial investment of ₹3,000 crore, with possibilities for further funding based on future demand.
Why GEO Instead of LEO?
While many global satcom providers use low earth orbit (LEO) satellites — such as Starlink, OneWeb, and Amazon — Ananth Technologies is opting for a GEO satellite that will orbit 35,000 km above Earth. Though LEO satellites offer lower latency and faster data speeds due to their proximity, they require large constellations to cover vast areas. A single GEO satellite, on the other hand, can cover the entire Indian subcontinent, offering a strategic edge in broad coverage, especially for a geographically diverse country like India.
Starlink Nears Final Approval in India
Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s Starlink is nearing formal approval to operate in India. IN-SPACe has reportedly issued a draft letter of intent to Starlink. Once signed, the company will join Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio Satellite as approved satcom providers in the country. In May, Starlink was granted a GMPCS (Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite) licence, further clearing its path to offer commercial services in India.
Vodafone Idea Enters Satellite Race
In another major development, telecom operator Vodafone Idea has announced a partnership with US-based AST SpaceMobile to bring satellite connectivity directly to standard mobile phones in India. AST SpaceMobile is building the first cellular broadband network operating entirely from space. The company has already made the world’s first voice and video call from space using a regular mobile phone, proving the practicality of its technology.
India’s Expanding Space-Tech Ecosystem
India’s space-tech sector is rapidly evolving, with over 100 space startups launched in the last five years. As private players like Ananth Technologies step into satellite communication, India is moving closer to building a commercially competitive space economy. With new alliances, indigenous innovation, and global-standard services, the country is well on its way to becoming a key player in the global satellite broadband market.
