India opens satellite broadband to multiple operators, Scindia says

India's Union Minister for Communications Jyotiranjan Scindia clarified on Monday that the country's satellite communication sector remains open to competition, with several major players already authorised to operate. The statement came amid suggestions from industry observers that barriers to entry may be limiting participation in the emerging sector.

Scindia confirmed that Reliance Jio, OneWeb and Starlink have all received licences to provide satellite-based broadband services across Indian territory. Each operator is subject to identical compliance requirements governing security protocols and spectrum utilisation, the minister said, emphasising that licensing conditions apply uniformly regardless of company size or origin.

The clarification addresses concerns about market concentration in satellite communications, a sector expected to play an increasing role in India's digital infrastructure. Officials have previously outlined plans to leverage satellite technology for connecting remote areas and supplementing terrestrial broadband networks.

Operating companies must navigate India's licensing framework, which mandates security approvals alongside technical and financial viability assessments. These requirements form part of broader protocols applicable to all telecom service providers seeking to operate within Indian airspace and territorial waters, officials said.