Summary:
India’s satellite internet space is undergoing a major transformation. Hyderabad-based Ananth Technologies will become the first private Indian company to offer satellite broadband using a domestically-built geostationary satellite, starting in 2028. This breakthrough positions India to reduce dependency on global satcom providers like Starlink, OneWeb, and Amazon’s Project Kuiper.
India’s First Private Satellite Broadband Service: What You Need to Know
In a landmark shift for India’s space and telecom sectors, Ananth Technologies has received regulatory clearance to launch satellite-based internet services in India. Backed by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), this initiative will make Ananth the first Indian private company to enter the satellite communication (satcom) domain with its own indigenously built GEO satellite.
The company is expected to roll out its commercial broadband-from-space services by 2028, using a 4-tonne geostationary satellite capable of delivering up to 100 Gbps data capacity. An initial investment of ₹3,000 crore is committed to the project, with additional funding planned based on market response.
GEO vs LEO: How Ananth’s Satellite Strategy Differs
Unlike global competitors such as Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb, and Amazon’s Kuiper, which use low earth orbit (LEO) satellites for lower latency, Ananth Technologies will operate in the geostationary orbit (GEO)—located 35,000 km above Earth.
- LEO Advantages: Lower latency, faster internet speeds, and shorter orbit cycles (90–120 minutes).
- GEO Advantages: Broader coverage per satellite—ideal for serving large regions like the entire Indian subcontinent with just one satellite.
While GEO systems have higher latency than LEO, they provide stable, long-term coverage for fixed locations, especially in remote or underserved areas.
Starlink Close to Approval in India
Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s Starlink is nearing full approval to begin operations in India. IN-SPACe has issued a draft Letter of Intent, and final authorisation is expected soon. Starlink already holds a GMPCS (Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite) licence, making it eligible to offer services alongside OneWeb and Jio Satellite.
Once approved, Starlink will join India’s growing satcom landscape, but it will face competition not just from foreign players but now also from domestic innovators like Ananth Technologies.
Vodafone Idea (Vi) Partners with AST SpaceMobile for Satellite Phone Services
Adding to the momentum, Vodafone Idea (Vi) recently entered into a strategic partnership with AST SpaceMobile, a US-based company developing the first satellite-based cellular network for standard smartphones.
The partnership aims to:
- Deliver satellite voice and data services directly to mobile phones.
- Improve mobile connectivity in remote and rural India.
- Tap into both commercial and government sectors.
In a recent breakthrough, AST SpaceMobile made the world’s first satellite voice and video call using an ordinary mobile phone, proving the viability of this next-gen tech.
India’s Satellite Internet Race: What Lies Ahead
With Ananth Technologies, Starlink, OneWeb, and Vi-AST in the game, India’s satellite internet market is rapidly evolving. From rural broadband expansion to emergency communications and 5G/6G backhaul, satellite internet is expected to play a critical role in India’s Digital India and Viksit Bharat 2047 visions.
Conclusion
The approval of Ananth Technologies as India’s first private satellite broadband provider is a landmark moment. With indigenous capabilities, ambitious goals, and strong competition, India is on the cusp of a new era in satellite-based connectivity. As regulatory frameworks mature and competition heats up, users across India—especially in remote areas—can look forward to faster, more reliable, and affordable broadband from space.
