Airtel satellite telecom services are ready for rollout in India, with the company now awaiting the government's approval, according to Rajan Bharti Mittal, Vice Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, ANI reported. Sunil Bharti Mittal, previously said the company is fully prepared to launch satellite communication (Satcom) services to reach every corner of the country.
Also Read: Satcom Need to Be Bound by the Same Regulations as Telecom, Says Sunil Bharti Mittal
Airtel's Satcom Services
"In India, we are waiting for, as you know, the spectrum allocation to be done. Both our stations are ready, one in Gujarat and one in Tamil Nadu. The base stations are ready. So as soon as we get permission, we will be launching in India as well," Rajan Bharti Mittal said in an interview with the World Economic Forum, as quoted in the report.
Bharti Enterprises has already launched 635 satellites and is providing services in other parts of the world, Mittal reportedly added.
Spectrum Allocation Debate
Regarding the debate on spectrum allocation via administrative processes versus auctions, Mittal reportedly reiterated Bharti Airtel's position, emphasising that satellite companies should be required to pay licensing fees and acquire spectrum through auctions, similar to traditional telecom operators.
Connectivity for Remote Areas
"We are all saying it should be a level playing field. The unconnected areas where the terrestrial networks cannot go, this is a great provider of services especially for broadband. So it must be kept in mind that the Satcom services which are being given in far-flung areas and also in maritime or defense or other areas, that should have a different kind of a playing field," he reportedly said.
"We are waiting for the recommendations to come through" from the government," he added. On pricing, Mittal said, "Satcom will be able to deliver at far-flung areas at a 'decent price.'"
"I think we strongly believe the terrestrial networks in India are very robust with 4G and 5G now in place. I don't think so that the satellite is needed for the urban areas, it is really for the far flung areas, and that's where the talk of administrative price has been kept in mind that the pricing should not be that high but in terrestrial they should ally with the terrestrial networks that's happening also in other parts of the world and I'm sure we'll be in the price points being in India what they are. we'll be able to deliver at far flung areas at a decent price," he explained, according to the report.
Also Read: Airtel Reaffirms Commitment to Satcom Services for Rural Connectivity
Work-Life Balance at Airtel
On the widely debated topic of work-life balance, which has garnered significant attention among working-class Indians in recent weeks, Mittal shared his company's perspective: the focus should be on delivering quality work rather than simply meeting quantitative output.
"At Airtel and at the Bharti Enterprise, everybody that comes as the owner, you know, owns the brand, works when it's, when it's desired," he reportedly said.
