One Space – Satellite BroadBand

Blog Credit: Trupti Thakur

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One Space- Satellite BroadBand

OneWeb India, a subsidiary of the Bharti Group and part of the Eutelsat Group, has recently obtained approval from India’s space regulator, IN-SPACe, to initiate Eutelsat OneWeb’s commercial satellite broadband services in the country. This significant milestone positions OneWeb India as the first organization to receive such authorization, making it the sole satellite broadband services provider to secure all necessary regulatory approvals ahead of its commercial launch.

Empowering Digital India

• The approval from the Indian space regulator to launch commercial satellite broadband services by Eutelsat OneWeb is a crucial stride towards achieving India’s goal of universal internet connectivity, aligning with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of Digital India.

Gateway Approval and Connectivity Plans

• In addition to the general approval for commercial services, Eutelsat OneWeb has also secured in-principle approval toestablish and operate two gateways in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
• These gateways are crucial for providing high-speed, low-latency internet connectivityto customers across India once the services are rolled out.
• The strategic placement of these gateways underscores the commitment to ensuring seamless connectivity throughout the country.

Spectrum Allocation and Regulatory Landscape

• Despite the approval, the commencement of commercial services is contingent on the government’s allocation of satellite spectrum.
• This decision hinges on recommendations from the telecom regulator, further emphasizing the collaborative efforts between the private sector and regulatory bodies in advancing the nation’s digital infrastructure.

Eutelsat OneWeb: Revolutionizing Connectivity through Low Earth Orbit Satellites

• Eutelsat OneWeb, a subsidiary of the Eutelsat Group, specializes in providing broadband satellite Internet services through its low Earth orbit (LEO) operations.
• Headquartered inLondon, the company also maintains offices in Virginia and operates a satellite manufacturing facility, Airbus OneWeb Satellites, in Florida through a joint venture with Airbus Defence and Space.
• Founded in 2012by Greg Wyler, Eutelsat OneWeb launched its initial six satellites in February 2019.
• As of 2021, major shareholders include Bharti Global, a multinational company based in India, the French satellite service provider Eutelsat, and the Government of the United Kingdom. SoftBank, based in Japan, retains an equity holding of 12%.

Eutelsat OneWeb’s Market Fortification

• Eutelsat OneWeb, renowned for its expertise in low earth orbit satellite operations, is set to strengthen its presence in the Indian market with these regulatory approvals.
• The approval granted to OneWeb India marks a significant advancement in India’s pursuit of comprehensive internet connectivity, bringing the nation one step closer to realizing its digital ambitions.

Bharti Group-backed satellite internet service conglomerate Eutelsat-OneWeb on Tuesday secured key approval from Indian space regulator for the launch of its commercial satellite broadband service in India.

OneWeb India, which operates in low earth orbit, is the first organisation to receive the authorisation from Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), the designated single-window agency for space activity approvals.

What does the approval signify for OneWeb’s space connectivity service?

IN-SPACe, the central space regulatory agency, is tasked with regulating and granting authorisation for space activities in the country. Its approval paves the way for Eutelsat OneWeb to introduce commercial connectivity services once the government grants satellite spectrum allocation.

In a statement, Bharti Group chairperson and vice-president of the Board of Directors of Eutelsat Group, Sunil Bharti Mittal, said: “This will be a critical step forward to meet India’s ambition of providing internet connectivity for all and will enable the Prime Minister’s vision of Digital India. Eutelsat OneWeb is ready to deploy as soon as it receives the final spectrum authorization to launch commercial services.”

 

 

Blog By: Trupti Thakur