We'll likely see fastest satcom rollout globally: Jyotiraditya Scindia

Many companies have applied for permits to provide satellite-based communications in India on the heels of the telecom regulator's recommendations on satcom spectrum allotment, communications minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said on Tuesday.

He added that the upcoming rollout of satcom services in India, which would complement terrestrial broadband, would be the fastest in the world, with a $20 billion revenue opportunity in the next three years, a tenfold surge from the current levels.

Scindia was speaking at a Trai event on the occasion of World Telecom and Information Society Day.


"Trai has come out with its regulations for administrative assignment. Multiple players have applied for a licence, and I am very confident that this rollout on the satellite network will probably be the fastest in the world in the years to come, growing from the current $2.3 billion market to almost a $20 billion market by 2028," Scindia said, drawing parallels with the world's fastest rollout of 5G networks in India.

News agencies quoted Scindia as saying that the Centre is keen to push forward the satcom policy at the earliest, adding that once permissions are given, satellite-based internet services would reach far and wide.

Earlier this month, Trai recommended administrative allocation of satcom spectrum for a fee pegged at 4% of the adjusted gross revenue (AGR). Once the proposal gets Union cabinet approval, the spectrum will be allocated to companies for commercial launch of satellite internet services.