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India’s satellite communication ambitions are facing regulatory uncertainty

Multiple security requirements are not unique to the Indian market. But while they serve legitimate objectives, the extent to which they add to the operating cost and complexity has not received requisite policy attention.

India’s satellite communication market has gained momentum since 2020, when the space sector was opened up for private participation, and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre, or IN-SPACe, was created to oversee private-sector participation. By April 2025, close to ten satellite players had indicated plans to enter the market. Alongside growing interest, several leading players like Starlink, Jio Satellite, and Eutelsat also secured licences to provide mobile services using satellite technology. 

Starlink’s latest re-application to IN-SPACe, seeking permission for nearly 30,000 of its signature low earth orbit satellites, brings strong commercial interest into focus again. But while the domestic satcom market is forecasted to triple in size to be valued at $14.8 billion by 2033, regulatory uncertainty has stymied meaningful commercial rollout. 

The economics of the space race 

Indian telcos acquire their spectrum through overpriced auctions, with very expensive floor prices. Therefore, policymakers may need to balance the interest of terrestrial operators,........

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