OneWeb India Becomes First Firm To Get IN-SPACe Approval For Satellite Broadband

OneWeb India, a subsidiary of the Bharti Group and part of the Eutelsat Group, has recently obtained approval from India’s space regulator, IN-SPACe, to initiate Eutelsat OneWeb’s commercial satellite broadband services in the country. This significant milestone positions OneWeb India as the first organization to receive such authorization, making it the sole satellite broadband services provider to secure all necessary regulatory approvals ahead of its commercial launch.

Empowering Digital India

• The approval from the Indian space regulator to launch commercial satellite broadband services by Eutelsat OneWeb is a crucial stride towards achieving India’s goal of universal internet connectivity, aligning with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of Digital India.

Gateway Approval and Connectivity Plans

• In addition to the general approval for commercial services, Eutelsat OneWeb has also secured in-principle approval to establish and operate two gateways in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
• These gateways are crucial for providing high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity to customers across India once the services are rolled out.
• The strategic placement of these gateways underscores the commitment to ensuring seamless connectivity throughout the country.

Spectrum Allocation and Regulatory Landscape

• Despite the approval, the commencement of commercial services is contingent on the government’s allocation of satellite spectrum.
• This decision hinges on recommendations from the telecom regulator, further emphasizing the collaborative efforts between the private sector and regulatory bodies in advancing the nation’s digital infrastructure.

Eutelsat OneWeb: Revolutionizing Connectivity through Low Earth Orbit Satellites

• Eutelsat OneWeb, a subsidiary of the Eutelsat Group, specializes in providing broadband satellite Internet services through its low Earth orbit (LEO) operations.
• Headquartered in London, the company also maintains offices in Virginia and operates a satellite manufacturing facility, Airbus OneWeb Satellites, in Florida through a joint venture with Airbus Defence and Space.
• Founded in 2012 by Greg Wyler, Eutelsat OneWeb launched its initial six satellites in February 2019.
• As of 2021, major shareholders include Bharti Global, a multinational company based in India, the French satellite service provider Eutelsat, and the Government of the United Kingdom. SoftBank, based in Japan, retains an equity holding of 12%.

Eutelsat OneWeb’s Market Fortification

• Eutelsat OneWeb, renowned for its expertise in low earth orbit satellite operations, is set to strengthen its presence in the Indian market with these regulatory approvals.
• The approval granted to OneWeb India marks a significant advancement in India’s pursuit of comprehensive internet connectivity, bringing the nation one step closer to realizing its digital ambitions.

Exam-Relevant Questions

Q1. Which company became the sole satellite broadband services provider to secure all necessary regulatory approvals ahead of its commercial launch?

Answer: OneWeb India became the sole satellite broadband services provider to secure all necessary regulatory approvals ahead of its commercial launch.

Q2: Who is the Chairman of Bharti Group and Co-Chair of the board of directors of Eutelsat Group?

Answer: Sunil Bharti Mittal is the Chairman of Bharti Group and Co-Chair of the board of directors of Eutelsat Group.

Q3: Who is the founder of Eutelsat OneWeb?

Answer: Greg Wyler is the founder of Eutelsat OneWeb. The company was founded in 2012.

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