Gulab Chand, joint wireless advisor, Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has stated that satellite internet services are expected to be primarily utilised by enterprises, while individual consumers are likely to continue relying on 4G and 5G networks.
“At a personal level, I hardly see any adoption of satellite internet by individuals. But at the enterprise level, satellite technology is likely to gain traction,” he said. He cited potential use cases such as logistics support and monitoring of various, including mobile, assets.
Chand pointed out that terrestrial mobile connectivity is already widespread across India. “Everyone possesses one or two mobile phones, so the 5G footprint is quite extensive and 4G coverage has reached nearly all villages,” he said.
Commenting on the growing role of start-ups in the space sector, Chand noted that several are already engaged in manufacturing satellite components. “Certain companies are working on satellite payloads and are receiving significant government support,” he said.
He added that start-ups have begun producing panels and parts of satellite systems, and while they may not yet be manufacturing complete satellites, they are taking meaningful steps in that direction. “Things are going to get brighter in the future. It is a big step forward,” he remarked.
