India's revolutionary approach for fostering inclusivity through satellite communication technology
India's Satellite Communication Sector Poised for Rapid Growth
India's satellite communication (Satcom) sector is experiencing a significant surge, driven by government initiatives, private investments, and robust market forecasts.
Government Support and Regulation
The Indian government is actively promoting and regulating Satcom to address the digital divide, particularly in remote and rural areas. One key initiative is the mandatory security rules requiring satellite data to be routed through Indian ground stations for national security [1][3]. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is expanding its launch capabilities, with milestones such as launching a 6,500 kg US-built communication satellite from Indian soil, illustrating India's growing role in global space infrastructure [5]. The government is also opening up to international collaboration, as seen with Malaysia’s MEASAT receiving approval to offer satellite services in India [2].
Private Investments and Market Entrants
Elon Musk's SpaceX, through its Starlink, is set to launch satellite broadband services in India by the end of 2025, subject to Indian data security laws and a phased rollout focusing on underserved regions [1][3]. Other players like Bharti Airtel-backed OneWeb and Amazon’s Kuiper are part of the competitive low earth orbit satellite ecosystem globally but are currently less dominant than Starlink [3].
Market Growth Projections
The global Satcom market is projected to exceed $137 billion by 2033, driven by ongoing innovation in satellite constellations, ground infrastructure, and multi-orbit strategies [4]. India's Satcom market growth is expected to accelerate given the government’s push towards digital inclusion, new regulatory frameworks that allow private and foreign participation, and infrastructure investments by ISRO and private players [3][4].
The Future of Satcom in India
Satcom is not a competitor to terrestrial networks but a force multiplier, offering India the benefits of both worlds: the power of terrestrial networks and the reach of the skies. Satcom operates on shared spectrum, coordinated globally by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Geneva. The satellite communication sector in India is poised to capture 8% of the global market by 2033 [4].
Despite cost reductions, challenges remain regarding the scale of investment required for satellite constellations, which serve less dense and less profitable markets. Handsets and terminals are also pricier. By 2023, the Indian space economy is projected to reach $44 billion [4].
Applications of Satcom in India
During emergencies like floods, earthquakes, or cyclones, Satcom can serve as the only lifeline when ground infrastructure collapses. Satcom can connect infrastructure in less accessible areas, such as oil rigs, mining operations, and agricultural IoT systems in the hinterland. Satellites are cheaper to build and launch than they were two decades ago due to modern technologies [4].
Regulation and Spectrum Allocation
The Telecommunications Act 2023 stipulates administrative assignment for Satcom. The fee for Satcom spectrum should be cost-based, covering only administration and regulation costs, to avoid choking investment and derailing inclusivity goals [4].
Conclusion
The opportunity for Satcom to take off and bridge India's digital divide is present, with the technology ready, players primed, and the writer's suggestion being for India to give the final go-ahead. Satcom can be a crucial tool in bridging India's digital divide, currently standing at 66%, unlocking economic opportunities for millions [4].
This article was written by the Hon. Fellow, IET (London), and President, Broadband India Forum, with research input by Garima Kapoor, and published on August 20, 2025. The objective should be to leverage Satcom for national missions like Digital India, BharatNet, disaster management, and defence. The fee for Satcom spectrum should be cost-based, covering only administration and regulation costs, to avoid choking investment and derailing inclusivity goals.
References:
- The Economic Times
- The Hindu
- Financial Express
- Business Standard
- ISRO
