New Delhi – Amid ongoing debate surrounding regulatory approvals for satellite broadband operators in India, Eutelsat OneWeb's Asia-Pacific head, Neha Idnani, has defended the country's satellite communications licensing process. Idnani stated that the compliance and licensing requirements faced by low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite players are not unique to India, but rather a global norm.
Speaking to Business Today on the sidelines of the India Mobile Congress, Idnani highlighted that governments worldwide are actively developing regulatory frameworks for the relatively new LEO satellite technology. She cited comparable experiences in markets such as Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea, and Taiwan, where Eutelsat OneWeb has navigated similar licensing complexities.
Addressing Regulatory Scrutiny
Idnani's remarks come as India's satellite communications framework faces increased scrutiny, partly fueled by allegations from SpaceX founder Elon Musk concerning regulatory processes potentially disadvantaging certain market entrants. However, Idnani emphasized that telecommunications infrastructure is considered critical national infrastructure, leading governments globally to impose stringent compliance requirements on satellite operators.
"Compliance to the laws of the land are very critical," Idnani asserted, noting that while licensing has taken time, this is a consistent experience across numerous countries as they adapt to new technologies.
Eutelsat OneWeb has actively collaborated with Indian authorities to meet the necessary regulatory and security requirements for its satellite services. Idnani confirmed that the company has demonstrated and continues to demonstrate compliance, working proactively with government agencies to address all mandates deemed essential for such critical infrastructure.
Complementing Terrestrial Networks
The executive reiterated Eutelsat OneWeb's strategic view that satellite communications should serve as an extension to existing terrestrial networks, rather than a replacement. This approach aims to leverage satellite technology to broaden connectivity in remote areas, fulfill enterprise and government demands, and provide crucial communication support during disasters when traditional infrastructure may be compromised.
Eutelsat OneWeb's India strategy remains focused on business-to-business (B2B) partnerships, with telecom operators expected to play a pivotal role in delivering services to end-users. Idnani affirmed, "Our model of operating is B2B, but the beneficiaries will be consumers as well."
Market Competition and Outlook
When questioned about potential concerns regarding the scale of Starlink's satellite ambitions, Idnani dismissed fears of a single operator dominating the market. She drew parallels with the terrestrial telecom sector, where multiple operators with diverse business models and customer segments successfully coexist. "India and Asia, first of all, should not be worried at all. We represent over 50% of the global population. We are frontrunners now in innovation and technology," she stated.
As India's satellite communications sector progresses towards a commercial rollout, operators are awaiting final clarity on spectrum pricing and assignment before launching services at scale.