Bharti Enterprises, a major player in the Indian telecom sector, is all set to launch its satellite-based communications services, pending central government approval.
Rajan Bharti Mittal, vice chairman of Bharti Enterprises, confirmed the company's readiness during a recent interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos, but highlighted the delays resulting from unresolved spectrum allocation policies.
What's done so far?
The infrastructure is ready for a rapid rollout. Bharti has established two state-of-the-art ground stations in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, complemented by a constellation of 635 satellites already operational worldwide. However, the Indian market is waiting for the government's nod for spectrum allocation – a critical resource for launching satellite communications (SATCOM) services.
Spectrum Allocation: the key bottleneck
A contentious debate looms over how spectrum should be allocated for satellite services. Traditional telecom operators, including Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio, are advocating auction-based allocation, arguing that it ensures fair competition and a level playing field. Conversely, global satellite companies such as Elon Musk's Starlink and Amazon's project Kuiper are pushing for administrative attribution, citing the unique challenges and applications of satellite technology.
Mittal reiterated Airtel's position and stated that SATCOM providers must adhere to licensing fees and spectrum auctions to ensure parity with terrestrial telecom operators. However, he emphasized that special considerations should be made for SATCOM's role in connecting remote and inaccessible regions, especially in maritime, defense and underdeveloped areas where terrestrial networks are inadequate.
The promise of affordable connectivity
Mittal reassured potential users that satellite-based services would be offered at reasonable prices, especially in rural and remote regions. As terrestrial networks dominate urban India with robust 4G and 5G infrastructure, satellite communications are positioned as a complementary solution for bridging connectivity gaps in far-flung areas.
Work-Life Balance in Focus at Bharti Enterprises
In a shift from the technical discussion, Mittal also addressed the ongoing national discourse on work-life balance. Highlighting Bharti Enterprises' approach, he emphasized the importance of qualitative over quantitative output. He advocated a balanced life and stressed that family and health should not be compromised.
Looking ahead
With Bharti companies awaiting government recommendations on spectrum allocation, India's SATCOM industry is poised for major developments. The outcome of this policy debate will not only determine the competitive dynamics of the sector, but also how India addresses its digital divide.
As the regulatory framework solidifies, Bharti's readiness positions it as a frontrunner in providing satellite-based telecom services, moving India closer to its vision of universal connectivity.