Ananth Tech to Launch India’s First Private Satellite Broadband Service Using Indigenous Satellite

In a groundbreaking move for India’s space and telecom sectors, Hyderabad-based Ananth Technologies is set to become the first private Indian company to offer satellite communication (satcom) services using a homegrown satellite, as reported by a media agency.

IN-SPACe Grants Approval for 2028 Satcom Rollout

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has officially approved Ananth Tech’s proposal to launch broadband-from-space services starting in 2028.

₹3,000 Crore Investment in Indigenous GEO Satellite

Ananth Technologies plans to launch a 4-tonne geostationary (GEO) communication satellite capable of delivering up to 100 gigabits per second (Gbps) across India. The company has committed ₹3,000 crore to the project, with potential for additional investments based on future demand.

GEO vs LEO: A Technical Comparison

Trade-offs Between Latency and Coverage

While global satcom giants like Starlink (SpaceX), Amazon’s Project Kuiper, and Eutelsat OneWeb deploy low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites (400–2,000 km from Earth), Ananth Tech’s satellite will operate in geostationary orbit at over 35,000 km altitude.

LEO satellites offer low latency and orbit the Earth every 1–2 hours. In contrast, GEO satellites, which orbit once every 24 hours and appear stationary from the ground, offer broader territorial coverage—a single satellite can blanket the entire Indian subcontinent.
This reduces the need for large satellite constellations and ground infrastructure, though latency is higher compared to LEO systems.

Starlink Nears Final Approval for Indian Launch

Draft Letter of Intent Issued by IN-SPACe

According to a news agency, Starlink is on the verge of receiving its final authorisation to begin commercial operations in India. IN-SPACe has issued a draft letter of intent to the company, which will become effective once both sides sign.

This would bring Starlink on par with other licensed satcom players such as Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio Satellite. In May, Starlink obtained the GMPCS (Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite) licence, making it the third operator legally cleared to offer satellite internet services in the country.

Vodafone Idea Partners with AST SpaceMobile for Satellite Phone Services

Bringing Cellular Broadband from Space to Smartphones

Last month, Vodafone Idea (Vi) joined forces with US-based AST SpaceMobile to enable satellite phone services directly to regular smartphones in India.

"Vi (Vodafone Idea) and AST SpaceMobile Inc. announced a strategic partnership to expand mobile connectivity across India's unconnected regions. AST SpaceMobile made history by placing the first-ever voice and video call from space using a standard mobile phone, a milestone that demonstrates the real-world viability of its advanced technology," Vodafone Idea said in a statement.

AST SpaceMobile aims to build the world’s first space-based cellular broadband network, serving both consumer and government sectors, without the need for satellite phones or specialized hardware.

Key Highlights at a Glance

• Ananth Tech becomes first private Indian firm with domestic satcom service

• Launch targeted for 2028 using GEO satellite

• Investment of ₹3,000 crore committed

• 100 Gbps capacity across the Indian subcontinent

• Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb, and Jio already authorised

• Vodafone Idea joins satellite race via AST SpaceMobile

Conclusion:

India’s satellite broadband sector is entering a transformative phase with Ananth Technologies leading the domestic charge. The government’s support through IN-SPACe, coupled with a significant ₹3,000 crore investment, positions Ananth Tech as a serious contender to global satcom giants.

With the launch of a high-capacity GEO satellite in 2028, the company aims to offer high-speed internet access even in India’s most remote regions. Meanwhile, competitors like Starlink are moving closer to formal entry, and Vodafone Idea’s collaboration with AST SpaceMobile signals growing momentum in the satellite communications space.

This wave of innovation promises to reshape India’s digital connectivity landscape, reduce the digital divide, and offer more choices to consumers across urban and rural areas alike.