July 5, 2025: In a transformative step for India’s space and telecommunications sectors, Ananth Technologies is set to become the first private Indian company to offer satellite communication (satcom) services using a domestically-built geostationary satellite.
The company’s approval from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) paves the way for India’s entry into the global satellite broadband race, long dominated by international giants like Elon Musk’s Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb, and Amazon’s Project Kuiper.
Commercial Launch Targeted for 2028
Ananth Technologies plans to launch a 4-tonne geostationary (GEO) communication satellite capable of delivering up to 100 Gbps of broadband capacity across India. Backed by an initial investment of ₹3,000 crore, the service is expected to go live in 2028, with potential for expansion based on market demand.
“This is a significant milestone for India’s private space industry and a major leap toward self-reliance in space-based internet connectivity,” said a senior IN-SPACe official.
GEO vs LEO: India Takes a Different Path
Unlike Starlink, OneWeb, and Kuiper, which operate in low Earth orbit (LEO) — offering low latency but requiring hundreds of satellites for coverage — Ananth’s strategy relies on a single geostationary satellite positioned over 35,000 km above Earth.
While GEO satellites typically have higher latency, they offer wider regional coverage, making them ideal for large, densely populated countries like India. A single GEO satellite can cover the entire Indian subcontinent, unlike LEO constellations which require a mesh network to ensure consistent coverage.
Starlink, Jio, OneWeb Gear Up in Parallel
Meanwhile, Starlink is inching closer to final regulatory clearance in India. IN-SPACe has issued a draft letter of intent to Starlink. Once finalized, the firm will receive full authorization to roll out services.
Starlink already holds a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) license, becoming the third firm cleared to offer commercial satcom services in India, alongside Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio Satellite Communications.
Vodafone Idea Partners with AST SpaceMobile
Adding to the competitive mix, Vodafone Idea (Vi) has teamed up with AST SpaceMobile, a U.S.-based company building the world’s first cellular broadband network in space.
The technology aims to directly connect standard smartphones to satellites, bypassing the need for ground-based towers and offering coverage in remote or disaster-hit areas. AST recently made headlines after successfully completing the first-ever voice and video call from space using an ordinary mobile phone.
“Vi and AST SpaceMobile’s partnership will bring seamless mobile connectivity to underserved regions across India,” the company said.
A New Era for India’s Satcom Market
With multiple players now racing to serve India’s underserved and rural populations, satellite-based internet services are expected to redefine digital inclusion in the coming years. The Indian government’s liberalized space policy and regulatory backing have opened the floodgates for private innovation and investment in the sector.
Industry analysts predict that by the end of the decade, India could emerge as a regional satcom hub, with indigenous companies like Ananth Technologies helping to reduce dependence on foreign providers and bridge the digital divide.