India is rapidly stepping into the satellite communication (Satcom) era. With millions of citizens in rural and remote regions still lacking fast and reliable internet, Satcom is emerging as a key technology to bridge the digital divide.
Today, India’s Satcom revolution is being driven by a mix of government agencies, private companies, and global players. From ISRO’s trusted space technology to OneWeb’s Low Earth Orbit satellites and Jio’s ambitious satellite broadband plans, the sector is buzzing with activity.
Let’s dive into the top Satcom companies in India that are shaping this exciting transformation.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is the foundation of India’s satellite communication ecosystem. For decades, ISRO has launched satellites under the INSAT and GSAT series, supporting television broadcasting, weather forecasting, navigation, and rural internet services.
Recent projects like GSAT-11 and GSAT-29 have been designed to enhance broadband capacity, especially in remote and underserved regions. ISRO also provides infrastructure and policy support for private Satcom companies through IN-SPACe, ensuring smoother collaboration between government and industry.
ISRO’s role is not just about launches—it is about making satellite communication accessible, reliable, and affordable for India.
OneWeb, backed by Bharti Enterprises and the UK government, is a leading name in India’s Satcom market. The company is deploying a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network that provides high-speed, low-latency internet services.
In India, OneWeb has partnered with ISRO for multiple launches and has already received regulatory approvals to operate. Its primary focus is on connecting rural regions, enterprises, and government projects that are currently outside the reach of fiber and 5G.
OneWeb’s strong global backing and local partnerships position it as a front-runner in bridging India’s digital divide.
Reliance Jio, India’s largest telecom operator, is now expanding into the Satcom space through Jio Satellite Communications, in collaboration with SES, a Luxembourg-based satellite company.
Jio’s strategy is clear: integrate satellite internet into its 5G ecosystem, offering affordable connectivity for both businesses and consumers. With its massive user base and infrastructure, Jio is expected to drive mass adoption of Satcom services in India.
From enterprises to rural households, Jio aims to deliver cost-effective satellite broadband solutions that complement its telecom dominance.
Hughes Communications India, a joint venture between Hughes Network Systems and Bharti Airtel, has long been active in satellite broadband. Unlike newer entrants, Hughes already provides connectivity in remote villages, aviation services, and corporate sectors.
Its partnerships with ISRO and focus on enterprise-grade broadband make it a trusted Satcom partner in India. With years of operational experience, Hughes has an advantage in serving both government and private clients.
Elon Musk’s Starlink, part of SpaceX, has created global waves in the satellite internet space with its LEO constellation. In India, Starlink has already conducted user trials but faced delays in regulatory approvals.
If it enters the Indian market officially, Starlink could disrupt the landscape with its fast rollout capabilities and global experience. Its focus will likely be on consumer satellite internet, especially in underserved and rural regions.
Apart from the big names, several other companies are entering the Indian Satcom sector:
Nelco (Tata Group): Focusing on satellite broadband and maritime communication.
Astrome Technologies: A Bengaluru-based startup working on affordable Satcom and last-mile connectivity solutions.
BSNL Satcom Services: In collaboration with ISRO, BSNL is exploring satellite-powered connectivity for government and rural projects.
These companies may not be as large as Jio or OneWeb, but they add diversity and innovation to India’s Satcom market.
The Indian Satcom industry is expected to grow rapidly over the next five years, fueled by:
The Digital India Mission and rural internet projects.
5G and Satcom integration for seamless connectivity.
Private sector participation encouraged by space reforms.
Strong partnerships between global Satcom leaders and Indian companies.
This synergy will ensure that India moves closer to universal digital inclusion.
India’s Satcom industry is no longer limited to ISRO—it is evolving into a dynamic ecosystem of global giants, telecom leaders, and innovative startups.
With OneWeb, Jio, Hughes, and ISRO leading the charge, satellite internet is set to become faster, affordable, and accessible for millions of Indians.
The next decade will decide who emerges as the leader in India’s Satcom race, but one thing is clear: India’s connectivity future is reaching for the skies.
