Satellite Communication
DoT Announces 5% Spectrum Usage Fee for Satellite Communication in India
Summary:The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has finalized that satellite communication services in India will pay a 5% spectrum usage fee (SUF) on adjusted gross revenue (AGR), higher than TRAI’s earlier 4% suggestion. This directly impacts operators like Starlink, OneWeb, and Amazon Kuiper. The move aims to create a simpler, auditable pricing model while avoiding complex […]
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With 5G, Satcom Market to be Expanded by India, Says Scindia
Summary:India is setting ambitious goals beyond 5G — aiming to secure 10% of global 6G patents and triple its satellite communication (Satcom) market to nearly $15 billion by 2033, said Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia at the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025. The minister highlighted India’s transformation from a technology follower to a global digital innovation […]
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BSNL and Viasat to Expand Direct-to-Device Satellite Connectivity in India
Summary:BSNL and satellite giant Viasat are teaming up with OEMs to develop direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity in India. This advanced service will enable users to access voice, data, and messaging directly on regular smartphones — without the need for any special satellite equipment. What Is BSNL & Viasat’s D2D Satellite Connectivity Initiative? Bharat Sanchar […]
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DE-CIX to Offer Infra Support for Starlink India Launch
Summary:Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture, is set to launch its services in India at the end of 2025 or in the beginning of 2026. The company has partnered with a major internet exchange provider, DE-CIX for important ground infrastructure support. With the approval from the IN-Space safe and approval from the spectrum allocation, the […]
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T-Mobile to Launch Satellite-Based Data Service via Starlink in October
T-Mobile is set to roll out a satellite-based data service on its T-Satellite network—powered by SpaceX’s Starlink—starting October 1, expanding its effort to eliminate mobile dead zones across the U.S. The service follows the commercial launch of T-Satellite on July 23, which will initially support SMS, MMS, picture messaging, and short audio clips. According to […]
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AST SpaceMobile and Vodafone Idea Deal Done for Satellite Broadband
In a strategic move to bridge India’s digital divide, Vodafone Idea (Vi) has announced a partnership with AST SpaceMobile, a U.S.-based satellite cellular broadband provider, to deliver direct-to-device satellite connectivity across underserved and remote regions of India. The collaboration aligns with the Digital India initiative’s goal of universal mobile access. “Collaboration to bring Direct-to-Device satellite […]
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India Plans Satellite Constellation to Counter Foreign Surveillance; Private Sector to Play Key Role
In a strategic push to strengthen national security, the Indian Ministry of Defence is finalizing a multi-year contract to deploy a constellation of satellites aimed at monitoring foreign spacecraft that could be surveilling India, according to three sources familiar with the matter. Valued at ₹150 crore annually, the project is expected to be executed by […]
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Starlink Set to Launch in India Within 12 Months, Offering High-Speed Satellite Internet
Starlink, the satellite-based internet service from Elon Musk’s SpaceX, is gearing up to launch operations in India within the next 9 to 12 months, according to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). The initial rollout will deliver 600 to 700 Gbps (gigabits per second) of bandwidth, capable of supporting between 30,000 to 50,000 users in select […]
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TRAI’s Spectrum Fee Proposal for Satcom Raises Concerns Over Start-Up Viability
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued new recommendations on spectrum usage fees for satellite-based communication services, a move that experts warn could create significant entry barriers for startups and smaller players. While TRAI aims to simplify regulation and encourage investment, the fee structure may inadvertently slow efforts to make satellite connectivity more […]
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Project Kuiper Seeks Fast-Track Entry into India’s Satellite Broadband Market
Amazon’s Project Kuiper, the satellite internet initiative led by Jeff Bezos, has formally approached the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to accelerate its entry into India’s satellite broadband market. This move comes amid heightened regulatory activity and rising competition, especially following Elon Musk’s Starlink receiving a Letter of Intent (LoI) from the DoT to begin operations […]
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