Airtel’s Satellite Services Await Government Nod: Rajan Bharti Mittal

Airtel’s satellite telecom services are fully prepared for rollout, but the company is awaiting the Indian government’s approval, according to Rajan Bharti Mittal, Vice Chairman of Bharti Enterprises. Speaking on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Mittal emphasized the transformative potential of satellite technology for India’s digital connectivity landscape, particularly in remote and underserved regions.

Airtel, through its satellite communications arm, OneWeb, aims to revolutionize connectivity in India by providing high-speed broadband services via Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. The technology will ensure seamless internet access even in areas where traditional terrestrial networks are challenging to deploy. "We are ready to launch the services, but we are waiting for the Centre’s approval to move forward," Mittal said, underscoring the critical role of regulatory alignment in the process.

The deployment of satellite telecom services is expected to be a game-changer for industries such as education, healthcare, and agriculture in rural India. Mittal added, “This is not just about connectivity; it’s about enabling digital empowerment and inclusion.”

OneWeb, a joint venture between Bharti Global and the UK government, has already deployed over 650 LEO satellites, forming a robust constellation capable of delivering high-speed, low-latency broadband worldwide. Bharti Airtel holds a significant stake in OneWeb, aligning the venture with its long-term vision of connecting India to the world through cutting-edge telecommunications technology.

Mittal highlighted that the initiative is part of Airtel’s broader strategy to diversify its telecommunications offerings, placing it in direct competition with global players such as Elon Musk’s Starlink and Jeff Bezos’ Project Kuiper. While Starlink has faced regulatory challenges in India, Airtel appears well-positioned to lead the satellite broadband space, provided it receives timely government approvals.

The rollout of satellite-based telecom services requires robust policy support to align with the needs of both private enterprises and public infrastructure. The Indian government has recently been reviewing its satellite communication policies, with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) working on frameworks to facilitate private sector participation.

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Mittal expressed optimism about the government’s progressive stance on technology adoption, stating that streamlined regulations could help India achieve its vision of becoming a digital superpower. He also highlighted the potential for collaboration between public and private sectors to unlock new opportunities in satellite connectivity.

The announcement in Davos reflects the increasing global attention on satellite-based communication as a key enabler of digital transformation. During WEF discussions, experts acknowledged that satellite technologies could play a critical role in bridging the global digital divide, particularly in emerging markets like India.

With satellite telecom services ready for rollout, Airtel and OneWeb stand on the brink of transforming India’s connectivity landscape. By providing internet access to underserved regions and fostering digital inclusion, Airtel’s satellite initiative could pave the way for economic growth and social empowerment. However, timely government approval remains a crucial factor in realizing this vision.