Eutelsat OneWeb Pushes for Early DoT Nod to Offer Satellite Broadband Services: Report

Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb has sought fast-track approval from India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to deploy its twin Earth station gateways in India, allowing them to connect with its low-Earth orbit (LEO) global satellite constellation and deliver satellite broadband services to customers in South Asia, excluding Pakistan and China, according to an ET report.

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Also Read: Airtel Satellite Telecom Services Ready for Rollout in India: Report

Eutelsat OneWeb Seeks DoT Approval

In a letter dated January 29, the company reportedly highlighted that early approval would position India as a regional satellite communications hub, supporting disaster recovery, emergency alerts, and broadband connectivity in over 25 countries. Eutelsat OneWeb said early DoT approval aligns with the Indian Space Policy 2023, which encourages Indian firms to provide global satcom services.

“…our two Indian feeder-link earth station gateways are technically capable of connecting our own LEO satellites (covering markets outside India) for the purpose of satcom services in over 25 countries in the South Asia region around India,” Eutelsat OneWeb said in its letter, as quoted in the report.

Government approval for deploying its satellite infrastructure would enable Eutelsat OneWeb to provide satellite communication services to global customers. This includes satellite internet connectivity, inflight broadband outside Indian airspace, maritime connectivity for civil vessels in international waters, and disaster recovery services.

Potential Impact on South Asia’s Connectivity

Eutelsat OneWeb operates earth station gateways in Mehsana (Gujarat) and Tamil Nadu, ready to connect with its LEO satellite constellation. The company plans to partner with telecom providers in Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand to deliver B2B (business-to-business) satcom services, including satellite internet, inflight broadband, maritime connectivity, and telecom backhaul in remote areas.