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Viasat Poised To Define Indias Space-Based Internet Future With Revolutionary Satellite Connectivity
The Satellite Connectivity Revolution in India: How Viasat is Poised to Shape the Future of Space-Based Internet
India’s rapidly evolving landscape has emerged as a crucial component of the country’s connectivity roadmap, with satellite connectivity playing a pivotal role in this endeavor. As the demand for reliable and high-speed internet access continues to grow, US-based satellite firm Viasat has quietly accelerated its expansion in the Indian market, positioning itself to capitalize on the growing demand for satellite-based services.
Viasat’s presence in India dates back nearly two decades, with substantial investments and strategic partnerships that have established a strong foothold in the country. The company has extended its partnership with BSNL, a state-owned telecom operator, to provide mission-critical satellite services to the Indian government, including defense forces and disaster response agencies.
The partnership is part of Viasat’s efforts to support India’s National Broadband Mission and drive digital transformation across various industries. With a focus on direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity, a technology that bypasses towers altogether and sends signals straight to mobile phones or IoT sensors, Viasat aims to provide fast and affordable internet access to underserved regions.
Viasat’s D2D technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about satellite-based services. By sending signals directly to devices, the company can provide high-speed connectivity without the need for traditional infrastructure. This technology also enables new use cases such as emergency alerts, last-mile logistics, and connectivity for rural businesses, which are currently underserved by mobile networks.
The company’s investments in satellite infrastructure have been substantial, with hundreds of millions of dollars allocated to enhance capacity for defense, civil, and commercial users in India. Viasat has also set up an engineering center in Chennai and Hyderabad, employing over 300 engineers to support the development of its satellite services.
India’s growing economy and space ambitions make it an attractive market for satellite-based services. The country is expected to emerge as one of the top three economic powers in the world over the next decade, with a growth rate of 6-8% annually. Viasat sees India as an ideal partner for its expansion plans and vice versa.
“India has emerged as the fastest growing major economy in the world with 6-8% growth annually and is expected to be one of the top three economic powers in the world over the next 10-15 years,” Gautam Sharma, managing director at Viasat India, said. “The country’s growing entrepreneurship and technological and manufacturing expertise can merge with Viasat’s innovative spirit and experience in the space industry to bring unprecedented advantages.”
Despite the growing demand for satellite-based services, the debate over spectrum allocation and regulation remains a contentious issue. Sharma flagged concerns over the unchecked growth of satellite mega-constellations, which he believes is a global concern that threatens the competitive environment in space.
“The rapid consumption of satellite spectrum and orbits by mega-constellations is a real threat to the competitive environment in space,” Sharma said. “We believe that this is a real threat to India’s space ambitions.”
Viasat supports administrative allocation of satellite spectrum, as opposed to auctioning it like telecom airwaves, to ensure that smaller or newer players are not priced out. The company advocates for rigorous conditions when reviewing satellite service applications and believes that national regulators should maintain competitive and open space environments.
While many private players are independently building their satellite infrastructure, Viasat is leaning into partnerships with the Indian government, public sector entities, and defense agencies. The partnership with BSNL facilitates reliable connectivity services for Indian enterprises, and Viasat’s satellite connectivity enables Indian commercial ships to stay connected globally.
The collaboration with ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) strengthens Viasat’s position in the Indian market and leverages India’s growing expertise in the space industry. The partnership also highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in driving innovation and growth in the space sector.
As India’s satellite moment approaches, Viasat is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for satellite-based services. With its established presence, strategic partnerships, and substantial investments, the company is poised to shape the future of space-based internet in India.
The role of satellite broadband in plugging the last gaps in India’s connectivity landscape cannot be overstated. Sharma argues that satellite technology can provide connectivity to areas in India that lack it and support the Indian government’s efforts to bridge the digital gap and drive digital transformation across all industries.
When asked about the reliability issues in LEO (low-Earth orbit) networks, Sharma emphasized Viasat’s commitment to providing reliable and high-speed connectivity services. “It is vital to safeguard the competitiveness of the space sector from the domination of certain commercial entities, which may hinder the progress of others,” he said.
With BSNL as its leading partner and collaborations with NSIL (NewSpace India Limited) and ISRO underway, Viasat appears to be placing long-term bets on India’s space economy. The company’s partnership-focused approach is designed to bridge the country’s digital gap while directly contributing to advancing growth and encouraging investment in the Indian space economy.
Using this approach, Viasat can help create a more competitive and open space environment, ensuring that smaller or newer players are not priced out. Sharma summed it up, saying, “By leveraging our expertise and partnerships, we aim to bridge the country’s digital gap while driving growth and innovation in the Indian space economy.”