Global Satellite Operators Eye India's Lucrative Satcom Market

Global satellite operators are setting their sights on India's $2.3 billion satcom market, projected to expand nearly tenfold in the next three years, positioning itself as one of the largest markets worldwide.

Companies like Luxembourg's Intelsat, UK's Inmarsat, and others are ramping up their satellite capacities, aiming to partner with major satcom providers to deliver broadband-from-space services across India.

Emerging Competition Against Starlink

While not all are direct competitors, these partnerships could bolster the capabilities of satellite communication firms to rival Elon Musk's Starlink, which alongside Reliance Jio-SES JV and Bharti Group's Eutelsat OneWeb, has secured approvals for Indian satcom services.

Amazon's Kuiper and Apple's partner Globalstar are also in the fray, having submitted their permit applications, signaling a heated competition ahead.

Projected Growth and Strategic Partnerships

The Indian satcom market is on a trajectory to hit $20 billion by 2028, fueled by innovations like direct-to-cell communications. Tata Group's Nelco, for instance, has entered a reselling partnership with Eutelsat OneWeb, incorporating Koreasat-7 for Ku-band operations, showcasing the strategic moves underway.

Intelsat and Viasat are also making significant strides, with the latter leveraging Inmarsat satellites to connect remote areas, highlighting the global and local synergy shaping India's digital future.

Anticipated Launch and Market Potential

Space-based broadband services are expected to roll out this year, pending government spectrum allocation, with Starlink predicted to initially attract 180,000 Indian subscribers, potentially growing to 5.7 million by 2030.

India stands as the largest untapped market for commercial satellite services, with providers gearing up to ensure nationwide coverage and reliable network speeds, marking a pivotal moment in global satcom expansion.