Airtel-backed Eutelsat OneWeb ready for India satellite launch
Airtel-backed Eutelsat OneWeb has completed security demos and awaits final government nod to launch satellite internet services in India.
Bharti Airtel-backed Eutelsat OneWeb has completed its infrastructure setup and security demonstrations, but it is currently waiting for the final green light from the Indian government to roll out its satellite communication services. Speaking at the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026 in New Delhi, Bharti Airtel Chief Regulatory Officer Rahul Vatts confirmed that the company is prepared to enter the market as soon as the regulatory hurdles are cleared.
Vatts noted that the company has already secured a vital licence and received necessary authorisation from India's space regulator, IN-SPACe. Despite being ready to go, the company is now following the standard procedure of waiting for the next administrative steps from the government.
Level playing field for satellite players
The comments come at a time when the satellite internet sector in India is under intense scrutiny. This follows claims made by SpaceX chief Elon Musk, who suggested that powerful business interests were creating obstacles for Starlink's entry into the Indian market. Addressing these allegations, Vatts maintained that the regulatory process is uniform for all major players.
"There are three, as we understand it. It's OneWeb, there is Starlink, there is Jio, and all of us are undergoing the same process," Vatts stated. He emphasized that the primary focus of the regulatory journey should be meeting the specific requirements and security standards of the country.
The Ministry of Communications has also stepped in to clarify the situation, officially rejecting any claims of discrimination. According to the Ministry, OneWeb, Starlink, and Jio Satellite Communications are all at a similar regulatory stage, with security assessments currently underway for all licensed operators. Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia added that India maintains a strict policy against monopolies and requires all operators to meet rigorous security protocols before commercial operations begin.
Disaster management and testing
While waiting for full commercial clearance, Eutelsat OneWeb has already been utilizing provisional spectrum provided by the government to test various satellite-based applications. A key area of focus has been disaster resilience.
The company has been collaborating with multiple government agencies, including the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). These collaborations aim to demonstrate how satellite technology can be a lifesaver by restoring critical communication links within hours during natural disasters when traditional networks fail.
Airtel's broader tech roadmap: Cloud, 6G, and Security
Beyond satellite internet, Rahul Vatts highlighted several other strategic technology initiatives being driven by Airtel to strengthen India's digital sovereignty and infrastructure:
- Sovereign Cloud Platform: Airtel is developing a platform designed to ensure that sensitive Indian data—particularly in healthcare, energy, banking, and identity—remains under domestic control and jurisdiction.
- Cybersecurity: The company has already implemented a security operations centre for the Indian Railways and continues to expand its cybersecurity footprint.
- 6G Readiness: After catching up with 5G, Airtel is now preparing its infrastructure for the transition to 6G technology, aiming to take a global lead once specifications are finalized.
- International Roaming: To aid Indian travellers, Airtel is offering roaming benefits of up to Rs 2,000 to enhance connectivity and convenience abroad.