India is on track to lead the world in the fastest deployment of satellite communication (satcom) services, with the market expected to grow from $2.3 billion to $20 billion by 2028, according to Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. Speaking at the World Telecom and Information Society Day, Scindia highlighted the nation’s accelerated pace in embracing satcom, driven by a surge in interest from companies applying to offer satellite-based communication services.
This momentum follows recent recommendations from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), which suggested that satcom spectrum be allocated through an administrative model. The proposed licensing would involve operators paying 4% of their adjusted gross revenue (AGR) for a five-year period. This policy shift is expected to simplify access for companies and encourage faster market participation.
Minister Scindia emphasized that satellite technology will act as a complement to terrestrial networks, helping extend telecom access to remote and underserved regions. He also noted India’s achievement in becoming the world’s most affordable data market, with prices having dropped dramatically from ₹287 per GB to just ₹9 per GB.
The satcom sector is attracting both domestic and global players. Notably, Elon Musk’s Starlink has secured a Letter of Intent from the Department of Telecommunications to offer services in India. Other major players preparing to enter the market include Amazon’s Project Kuiper, Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb, and Reliance Jio-SES.
This strong push into satcom aligns with India’s broader vision of digital inclusion and transformation, aiming to close the digital divide and provide seamless connectivity across urban and rural landscapes. With supportive policies and growing global interest, India is poised to become a major player in the satellite communications space in the coming years.
