India’s satellite internet ecosystem is shaping up to cater primarily to enterprise needs rather than individual consumers, according to Gulab Chand, Joint Wireless Advisor at the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). Speaking at the 2nd IAFI Space Policy Conference, Chand highlighted that the country’s extensive 4G and 5G coverage reduces the likelihood of widespread adoption of satellite internet at a personal level.

Satellite Internet to Play a Larger Role for Enterprises

Chand noted that individual users are expected to continue relying on 4G and 5G networks, which have already penetrated rural and urban regions. “I hardly find, at the personal level, any adoption of the satellite internet by the individuals. But at the enterprise level, I think satellite kind of technology would be picked up by the enterprises,” Chand stated.

He emphasized that satellite internet will find strong demand in sectors such as logistics, asset monitoring, and mobile asset management, where consistent and wide-area connectivity is critical. This enterprise focus aligns with the growing interest in Private Networks and remote connectivity solutions to support digital transformation across industries.

4G & 5G Penetration Reduces Consumer Demand for Satellite Intern

India’s near-universal mobile penetration is a key factor in shaping the market. Chand explained, “Satellite internet basically in India is like almost covered by the terrestrial… everyone possesses one or two mobile phones with them, so almost 5G footprint is everywhere and 4G is almost covered in all the village level.” This extensive coverage leaves limited room for satellite services to compete for consumer usage outside of remote or underserved areas.

 Indian Space Startups Powering Satellite Internet Supply Chain

Chand also underlined the growing role of startups in the Indian space sector. Since the liberalization of the space industry in 2020, private companies have been allowed to participate in end-to-end space activities. Startups are now developing satellite components, payloads, and panels, creating a domestic supply chain for the sector.

“Certain companies are working for making the satellite payloads, etc. Already that is happening and a lot of assistance is also being provided by the government,” Chand said. He added that while many startups are not yet building complete satellites, their contributions to subsystems and components are laying the groundwork for a robust space manufacturing ecosystem.

Policy Reforms & Support Fuel India’s Satellite Tech Innovation

The DoT advisor highlighted the government’s ongoing support in fostering innovation and investment in satellite technology. With policy reforms and infrastructure assistance, startups are positioned to accelerate India’s capabilities in Satellite & NTN technology. This is expected to complement terrestrial networks and create hybrid connectivity solutions for industries.

Enterprise Networks to Anchor India’s Satellite Internet Market

As India’s digital economy expands, enterprises are demanding reliable, always-on connectivity, especially in remote locations where fiber or terrestrial mobile networks are less feasible. Satellite internet offers a viable option for critical sectors including logistics, energy, mining, and agriculture. With enterprises driving this demand, satellite services are likely to become an integral part of India’s connectivity landscape, complementing existing terrestrial Broadband networks.

Hybrid Satellite-Terrestrial Networks Poised to Shape India’s Digital Future

The DoT’s perspective reflects a pragmatic approach to satellite internet deployment in India. With consumer markets largely saturated by 4G and 5G, enterprise adoption will be the primary growth engine. Combined with the momentum from space-tech startups and government support, India is poised to create a balanced ecosystem where terrestrial and satellite networks work together to meet the nation’s connectivity needs.

This shift towards enterprise-driven satellite internet signals an important phase in India’s digital infrastructure development, aligning with the country’s vision to strengthen both its space industry and nationwide connectivity.