Satellite connectivity plays a crucial role in India’s connectivity roadmap. The technology provides connectivity to areas lacking traditional infrastructure. It supports government efforts to bridge digital gaps and drive digital transformation across industries.

As Starlink achieves clearance to launch satellite internet in India, US-based satellite firm Viasat has quietly accelerated its expansion in the country. It positions itself to capitalise on India’s economic growth and space ambitions, with its substantial investments providing competitive advantages. 

Multiple players compete for market share in the Indian satellite internet market while regulatory frameworks evolve. Viasat’s established presence and strategic partnerships position it for continued growth in this expanding market. 

The company has been operating in India for nearly two decades, and now, in an exclusive interview with AIM, Gautam Sharma, managing director at Viasat India, revealed that the company has extended its partnership with BSNL. The company is aiming for a deeper presence across the defence, aviation, and rural connectivity segments.

“We have a longstanding partnership with BSNL through which we provide mission-critical satellite services to the government of India, including defence forces and disaster response agencies,” Sharma said.

More Than WiFi in the Sky

Viasat is not just betting on conventional broadband. The company is focusing on direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity, a technology that bypasses towers altogether and sends signals straight to mobile phones or IoT sensors.

“Viasat, in partnership with BSNL, demonstrated India’s first D2D services live at India Mobile Congress 2024,” Sharma said. This could open up a new frontier for use cases such as emergency alerts, last-mile logistics, and connectivity for rural businesses, which are currently underserved by mobile networks.

The company’s services also support in-flight and maritime connectivity across Indian airspace and waters. It continues to work closely with BSNL and other telecos to scale D2D and similar satellite-enabled services, benefiting users across India. 

He also mentioned that they have set up an engineering centre in Chennai and Hyderabad with over 300 employees. It has also invested hundreds of millions in satellite infrastructure for defence, civil, and commercial users in India.

“India has emerged as the fastest growing major economy in the world with 6-8% growth annually and is expected to be one of the top three economic powers in the world over the next 10-15 years,” he said.

Focusing on Bharat, not just India

Even as competitors like Starlink and Jio Satellite position themselves for urban and premium customers, Viasat is turning its attention to rural areas. Sharma noted that rural teledensity is only 58.5% compared to 132% in urban areas.

This gap creates demand for alternative connectivity solutions. Viasat aims to use its satellites to deliver fast and affordable internet access in underserved regions. Sharma believes this approach can provide essential internet services where traditional telecom infrastructure falls short.

“It brings us great pride to contribute to closing the digital gap in rural India,” Sharma said. “Our goal is to use cost-efficient technology to make a significant difference by extending essential internet services to rural regions.”

In September last year, Viasat signed a memorandum of understanding with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL). The partnership explored the design and deployment of low-cost, high-capacity satellites. These satellites were to deliver fast and affordable internet access to underserved communities.

The company leverages high-throughput satellites, such as India’s GSAT-20. These satellites provide connectivity to areas where traditional telecom infrastructure is lacking or non-existent.

Caution for Spectrum Concerns

The debate over satellite spectrum allocation intensifies as more players enter the market. While Starlink’s arrival has stirred excitement, Sharma flagged concerns over the unchecked growth of satellite mega-constellations. 

“The rapid consumption of satellite spectrum and orbits by mega-constellations is a global concern, and India is no exception,” he said. “We believe that this is a real threat to the competitive environment in space.”

Sharma urged regulators to impose stringent review mechanisms to prevent monopolisation. “This should be of particular concern for India, as I would argue, it threatens the country’s space ambitions.”

Viasat supports administrative allocation of satellite spectrum, as opposed to auctioning it like telecom airwaves, to ensure that smaller or newer players aren’t priced out.

The company advocates for rigorous conditions when reviewing satellite service applications. It believes national regulators should maintain competitive and open space environments.

Defence of Partnerships

While many private players are independently building their satellite infrastructure, Viasat is leaning into partnerships with the Indian government, public sector entities, and defence agencies.

“We have a history of providing support to the Indian government in delivering crucial services,” Sharma said. “Our satellite connectivity has enabled Indian commercial ships to stay connected globally and ensure the safety of their crew members, regardless of their location.”

The company collaborates with ISRO to increase capacity for the Indian population and businesses. This collaboration strengthens Viasat’s position in the Indian market. India’s role in the space industry continues to grow. The country holds significant influence on the global platform. Viasat sees India as an ideal partner for its expansion plans and vice versa.

“The country’s growing entrepreneurship and technological and manufacturing expertise can merge with Viasat’s innovative spirit and experience in the space industry to bring unprecedented advantages,” Sharma said.

The partnership with BSNL facilitates reliable connectivity services for Indian enterprises. Viasat’s satellite connectivity enables Indian commercial ships to stay connected globally.

India’s Satellite Moment May Be Here

The Indian government’s National Broadband Mission and affordable internet plans at the state level have focused primarily on fibre and 4G/5G coverage. However, Sharma argues that satellite broadband has a clear role in plugging the last gaps.

“Satellite technology can provide connectivity to areas in India that lack it,” Sharma said. “It can also support the Indian government’s efforts to bridge the digital gap and drive digital transformation across all industries.”

When asked about the reliability issues in LEO (low-Earth orbit) networks, Sharma chose to steer clear of naming competitors. “Although satellite systems encounter challenges, we refrain from speculating about any obstacles that our competitors may encounter.”

Commenting on Starlink’s pricing and the regulatory hurdles it faced in India, he said, “It is vital to safeguard the competitiveness of the space sector from the domination of certain commercial entities, which may hinder the progress of others.”

With BSNL as its leading partner, and collaborations with NSIL and ISRO underway, Viasat appears to be placing long-term bets on India’s space economy, even as the sector heats up with new players.

“Using this partnership-focused approach, Viasat can help bridge the country’s digital gap while directly contributing to advancing growth and encouraging investment in the Indian space economy,” Sharma summed it up.

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