New Delhi: The central government has cleared a Rs 900 crore project to set up a satellite communication (satcom) monitoring facility to oversee satellite operations in the country’s airspace.
The decision by the Centre follows rising interest from foreign satellite internet providers like SpaceX’s Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper, as they gear up to launch services in India.
Monitoring to Keep Pace with LEO Satellite Growth
Cleared by the Digital Communications Commission (DCC), the project aims to address the regulatory and technical challenges posed by low Earth orbit (LEO) and non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellite constellations.
These satellites, which deliver high-speed internet via low-orbit networks, have increased in number and complexity, demanding real-time oversight.
The proposed facility will focus on real-time tracking of both Indian and foreign satellite systems, ensuring their compliance with Indian licensing norms and cybersecurity regulations.
Officials said the infrastructure will help preserve orbital and spectrum resources for domestic satellite operators while mitigating risks of spectrum interference.
Strategic Focus on Security and Compliance
The new centre is also expected to support national security objectives by protecting critical communications infrastructure. As foreign players expand operations, the monitoring system will serve as a regulatory layer to assess whether these entities meet Indian data and telecom laws.
Another key objective includes ensuring that orbital slots and spectrum are not monopolised by international players, preserving bandwidth for future Indian satellite launches and telecom growth.
A Tighter Framework for a Growing Satcom Sector
India’s satellite communication ecosystem is witnessing increased competition. Companies like OneWeb, Eutelsat, and new-age space-tech firms are eyeing the Indian market, pushing regulators to develop a robust framework.
While the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) continue to refine licensing norms, this Rs 900 crore facility signals a shift towards more active government monitoring and spectrum governance. The initiative aligns with broader goals to regulate foreign satcom operations and promote equitable access to India’s space and communication infrastructure.
