Ananth Technologies to Launch India’s First Private Geostationary Satellite Internet by 2028.
Science and Technology
Hyderabad-based Ananth Technologies Ltd (ATL) has secured approval from IN-SPACe to launch a 4-tonne geostationary (GEO) satellite, delivering up to 100 Gbps broadband capacity, marking India's first privately operated satellite internet service, set to go live by 2028.
- IN-SPACe—the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre—has green-lit ATL’s broadband project, inviting it to become the first private Indian satellite operator, with an initial funding commitment of approximately ₹3,000 crore ($362 million), extendable based on demand.
- ATL plans to launch a GEO satellite (~4 tonnes, operating in Ka-band) at 35,000 km altitude, providing nationwide broadband coverage at speeds up to 100 Gbps via a multi-beam, high-throughput architecture. Unlike LEO (Low Earth Orbit) constellations—like Starlink—one GEO satellite suffices to blanket the entire subcontinent.
- While LEO systems like Starlink, OneWeb, and Amazon Kuiper offer low-latency but need hundreds of satellites, ATL’s single GEO satellite will deliver expansive coverage. Although GEO beams entail slightly higher latency, the approach significantly reduces capital and operational expenses.
Main Point :- (i) Ananth Technologies enters a competitive landscape alongside global players. Starlink has secured a GMPCS license in India, with Bharti Airtel partnerships pending regulatory approval. Other key players include Eutelsat OneWeb and Amazon Kuiper, while Vodafone Idea has teamed with AST SpaceMobile for smartphone connectivity via satellites.
(ii) This initiative signals a significant pivot in India’s satellite communications, strengthening Aatmanirbhar Bharat in space technology, expanding digital inclusion, and driving private-sector leadership in a sector hitherto dominated by public entities like ISRO.
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