Jio Satellite Communications and One Web, in collaboration with Bharti Enterprises, have been granted licenses by the Indian government to provide broadband internet services to end-users via satellite. These licenses allow both companies to serve as pan-India Internet Service Providers (ISPs), which is crucial for delivering internet connectivity through satellite or mobile networks. With the necessary licenses in place and clarity on satellite spectrum allocation, the commercial launch of satellite-based internet services is imminent.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in India has granted OneWeb and Jio Satellite the global mobile personal communication by satellite services (GMPCS) license. With this license, the companies can offer broadband services to end-users at their homes and offices, in accordance with the ISP licenses they have been granted.
Jio Satellite acquired its ISP license a month ago, while OneWeb recently obtained the ISP A (national area) and VSAT licenses. VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) is a vital tool for providing broadband internet services as it allows for data transmission. This device, equipped with an antenna, is commonly used for transmitting and receiving data, voice, and video signals. In rural areas, VSAT is often used for connectivity solutions for banking/ATM machines and provides backhaul connectivity for cellular mobile services.
With the GMPCS and ISP licenses secured, Jio Satellite and One Web are now positioned to commercially launch their satellite-based internet services. The next crucial step is to clarify the spectrum allocation for the satellites. Reliance Jio Infocomm, during the India Mobile Congress, showcased their satellite-based broadband services called JioSpaceFiber. The goal of this service is to provide high-speed broadband access to areas in India that were previously unreachable.
Jio has stated that the service will be available nationwide at affordable prices. At the same event, Chairman of Bharti Airtel, Sunil Bharti Mittal, announced that OneWeb has successfully completed its constellation of over 618 low Earth orbit satellites. This achievement will reportedly allow OneWeb to offer broadband internet services from space to any location across the globe.