Ananth Technologies Wins Approval for India’s First Private Satellite Broadband
Hyderabad‑based Ananth Technologies has received regulatory approval to deploy India’s first privately operated satellite broadband service, marking a major shift in the country’s space and telecom sectors. The company has been granted permission by IN‑SPACe to launch a geostationary satellite and roll out high-speed internet coverage across India by 2028.
Private Satcom Set to Launch by 2028
Ananth Technologies aims to build and operate a homegrown GEO (geostationary) communication satellite, scheduled for deployment approximately 35,000 km above Earth. With an initial investment of ₹3,000 crore, the platform is expected to deliver up to 100 Gbps of capacity, ensuring high-speed broadband access for urban and remote regions alike.
GEO vs. LEO: Coverage Trade-offs
In contrast to U.S.-backed LEO networks like Starlink and OneWeb, which prioritize low latency with dozens or hundreds of satellites, Ananth’s GEO satellite offers broader coverage. A single GEO satellite can blanket the entire subcontinent, though at the cost of higher latency. This makes it ideal for large-area coverage, especially in underserved rural areas.
New Competition in the Satellite Internet Space
The move signals a shift in India’s Satcom landscape. Ananth enters a market where global players—Starlink, OneWeb, Amazon Kuiper, and a Jio‑SES venture—are racing to commercialise satellite broadband. Starlink is close to securing the final authorisation, while Vodafone Idea has partnered with AST SpaceMobile to deliver satellite-to-phone services.
Boost for India’s Space Sector and Economy
The approval underlines the growing role of private firms in India’s space ambitions—traditionally driven by ISRO. It exemplifies India’s broader goal of space sector liberalisation, positioning the country towards becoming a significant regional satcom hub. With projections forecasting a $44 billion domestic space economy by 2033, entry of firms like Ananth Technologies could be a critical accelerator for innovation and digital inclusion.
