Eutelsat OneWeb, backed by Bharti, is seeking expedited approval from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to deploy its twin earth station gateways in India. These gateways will connect to its global low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, enabling broadband-from-space services across South Asian countries, excluding Pakistan and China.
In a recent letter to the DoT, Eutelsat OneWeb highlighted that its initiative would establish India as a key global hub for satellite communications, catering to international customers in South Asia. The company also emphasized the geopolitical significance of this move, positioning India as a satcom leader capable of providing critical services such as satellite-based emergency alerts for disaster recovery efforts using Indian satellite infrastructure.
“Our two Indian feeder-link earth station gateways are technically capable of connecting our own LEO satellites to serve over 25 countries in the South Asia region,” Eutelsat OneWeb stated in its letter dated January 29.
The company further argued that swift DoT approval would align with India’s Space Policy 2023, which encourages Indian entities to provide satcom services beyond national borders. With government authorization, Eutelsat OneWeb could extend its services to global customers, offering satellite internet, inflight broadband outside Indian airspace, maritime connectivity for vessels in international waters, and disaster recovery solutions.
Additionally, the company aims to provide satellite-based backhaul connectivity, assisting South Asian telecom operators in expanding wireless broadband coverage in remote areas lacking sufficient telecom infrastructure. However, Eutelsat OneWeb will strictly follow a B2B (business-to-business) model in these markets.
Upon receiving DoT approval, the company plans to collaborate with international distribution partners and local telecom operators in targeted South and Southeast Asian countries, including Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. These partners would market and deliver satcom services to end-users using Eutelsat OneWeb’s LEO satellite network.
Eutelsat OneWeb has already established satellite earth station gateways in Mehsana, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu. These stations are prepared to link with its LEO satellite constellation and the networks of overseas telecom and distribution partners, enabling seamless delivery of satcom services in South Asia.
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In India, the company has obtained a GMPCS (Global Mobile Personal Communications by Satellite) permit, allowing it to introduce satellite internet services. However, commercial satellite broadband services can only begin once the government allocates satellite spectrum through the administrative route, a process yet to be completed. Meanwhile, Eutelsat OneWeb is eager to leverage its ready-to-operate Indian satellite gateways to serve key South Asian markets and enhance revenue streams.
The Indian Space Association (ISPA), representing space and satellite companies, has endorsed an early DoT approval, citing potential revenue benefits for the Indian government. “Since Eutelsat OneWeb’s infrastructure in India will be used to deliver international satcom services, the government will earn license fees based on the company’s overseas revenue,” said ISPA Director General Anil Bhatt.
Eutelsat OneWeb is pushing for swift regulatory clearance, especially as the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recently recommended that satellite operators be allowed to use Indian satellite gateways to provide services abroad, pending government approval.
