Eutelsat OneWeb Seeks Urgent Security Nod To Launch Satcom Services In India: Report

Bharti Group-backed satcom services provider Eutelsat OneWeb has sought the immediate grant of security approval for its low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, which would take it closer to commercially launching its services in India.

Many of OneWeb’s satellites are nearing the end of their operational lives and could become useless if there are further delays in launching its services in India, the Economic Times reported, citing sources. 

The company has been awaiting security approval for more than 18 months after conducting its security compliance demonstration in January 2025.

OneWeb has informed the DoT that it submitted all the required data and information related to the security demonstration and responded to additional queries raised by law enforcement agencies. However, the approval is yet to come, the report said.

Questions sent to OneWeb remained unanswered till the time of publication. The story will be updated on receiving a response.

The clearance covers requirements related to lawful interception, network monitoring, and the localisation of critical network functions.

OneWeb’s Long Wait

OneWeb was the first satcom operator to secure a GMPCS licence in India, receiving the permit from the DoT in August 2021. The company was initially looking to launch its services in the country in 2022.

However, its rollout has faced repeated delays due to the Russia-Ukraine war, which disrupted the launch of its satellites, and the wait for approvals from Indian authorities, the report said.

The company subsequently received authorisation from IN-SPACe in November 2023 to provide the capacity of its satellite constellation in India.

OneWeb has established the necessary ground infrastructure, including gateways in Mehsana, Gujarat, and Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, as well as two points of presence in Mumbai and Chennai.

The gateways will connect with OneWeb’s global LEO satellite constellation and enable the delivery of satellite broadband services in India.

OneWeb operates a global constellation of more than 600 LEO satellites. ISRO launched 72 OneWeb satellites across two dedicated LVM3 missions in October 2022 and March 2023.

The report said OneWeb is replacing some satellites that have completed their operational lives. However, the number of operational satellites in its existing constellation could decline as more reach the end of their lives.

Even after securing security approval, OneWeb will require spectrum assignment before it can commercially launch services in India.

India’s Satcom Race

Elon Musk-led Starlink and Jio Satellite are also awaiting security clearance to commercially launch their satcom services in India. 

However, the three companies are targeting different customer segments. OneWeb plans to cater primarily to businesses, while Starlink intends to offer services directly to retail consumers. Jio Satellite, meanwhile, plans to offer services through Reliance Jio’s joint venture with Luxembourg-based SES, which operates a medium Earth orbit satellite constellation.

Reliance Industries is also said to be evaluating a multi-billion-dollar investment in its own LEO satellite constellation. The conglomerate is exploring both organic and inorganic expansion opportunities, including possible acquisitions of satellite companies with existing orbital slots and infrastructure.

Last month, Starlink reapplied to IN-SPACe for authorisation for its second-generation constellation comprising nearly 30,000 satellites, which will include direct-to-device connectivity capabilities.

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