Hyderabad-based Ananth Technologies is set to become the first Indian private company to provide satellite communication (satcom) services using a domestically built satellite. The initiative marks a significant shift in India’s space-tech ecosystem, opening competition with global players like Starlink (SpaceX), Eutelsat, OneWeb, and Amazon’s Project Kuiper.
IN-SPACe Approval & Launch Plans
- Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) has granted approval for the company’s broadband-from-space services.
- The commercial launch is expected by 2028.
- The company will deploy a 4-tonne geostationary (GEO) communication satellite, offering data speeds up to 100 Gbps across India.
- Initial investment: ₹3,000 crore, with scope for further funding.
- Unlike many global players that operate in low Earth orbit (LEO) at altitudes ranging from 400 to 2,000 km, Ananth Technologies will launch its first private satellite broadband service in geostationary orbit, positioned more than 35,000 km above Earth.
Technical Details
| Parameter | Geostationary Orbit (GEO) | Low Earth Orbit (LEO) |
| Altitude | ~35,000 km | 400–2,000 km |
| Orbit time | 24 hours | 90–120 minutes |
| Latency | Higher | Lower |
| Coverage | One satellite covers entire Indian subcontinent | Requires a constellation for complete coverage |
| Example Players | Ananth Technologies (India) | Starlink, OneWeb, Project Kuiper |
Starlink Close to Final Approval
- IN-SPACe has issued a draft Letter of Intent (LoI) to Elon Musk’s Starlink.
- Once signed, formal commercial approval will be granted.
- Starlink already holds a GMPCS license (May 2025), allowing satellite-based communication services in India.
- Will join Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio Satellite as authorised providers.
Vodafone Idea Enters Satellite Segment
- In June 2025, Vodafone Idea (Vi) announced a partnership with AST SpaceMobile (USA).
- Objective: Deliver satellite connectivity to regular smartphones across India.
- AST SpaceMobile recently achieved a world-first space-based voice and video call via standard mobile phone.
Significance for India
- Enhances digital inclusion, especially in rural and remote areas.
- Promotes Make in India in the space sector.
- Aligns with India’s space-tech liberalisation policy and BharatNet vision for universal connectivity.