Technology · India Bureau
Mittal says OneWeb has longer India queue position than Starlink
Bharti Airtel's chairman Sunil Mittal has highlighted OneWeb's earlier application timeline in India, asserting the satellite operator has had ground infrastructure ready for three years with satellites positioned over the country for five years.
LSN India ·
Sunil Bharti Mittal, chairman of Bharti Airtel, has underscored OneWeb's priority status in India's satellite broadband market, positioning the company ahead of competitors seeking to enter the sector. Mittal's remarks come as multiple operators vie for regulatory approval to offer satellite-based connectivity services in the country.
According to Mittal, OneWeb filed its application with Indian authorities five years ago, establishing an early claim in the approval queue. The company has maintained operational readiness during this period, with its ground network infrastructure fully prepared for the past three years, he noted.
The timeline suggests OneWeb has positioned itself to begin commercial operations swiftly once final clearances are obtained. With satellites already stationed over Indian airspace for approximately five years, the infrastructure foundation for service delivery is substantially in place.
India's satellite internet sector has attracted significant global interest as operators seek to tap the country's vast untapped broadband market. The regulatory framework governing satellite service providers in India continues to evolve, with multiple applications pending consideration from telecommunications authorities.