Satellite communication (SATCOM) is vital for connecting remote areas with voice, video, and internet services. India’s SATCOM journey, pivotal to its economic growth, began in the 1980s, supporting various sectors like banking, education, and telemedicine. Despite the 1997 SATCOM Policy’s aim to foster a strong industry, ISRO’s monopoly as operator, regulator, and licensor hindered private sector growth. The Antrix-Devas case highlighted issues of transparency and multiple government stakeholders. Recent reforms, including the 2023 Indian Space Policy (ISP) and the creation of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), seek to level the playing field and boost private participation. However, IN-SPACe’s effectiveness is uncertain due to its limited autonomy. To fully implement ISP’s objectives, legislative support may be required to ensure regulatory independence and fairness in India’s SATCOM sector.
Satellite communication (SATCOM) is vital for connecting remote areas with voice, video, and internet services. India’s SATCOM journey, pivotal to its economic growth, began in the 1980s, supporting various sectors like banking, education, and telemedicine. Despite the 1997 SATCOM Policy’s aim to foster a strong industry, ISRO’s monopoly as operator, regulator, and licensor hindered private sector growth. The Antrix-Devas case highlighted issues of transparency and multiple government stakeholders. Recent reforms, including the 2023 Indian Space Policy (ISP) and the creation of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), seek to level the playing field and boost private participation. However, IN-SPACe’s effectiveness is uncertain due to its limited autonomy. To fully implement ISP’s objectives, legislative support may be required to ensure regulatory independence and fairness in India’s SATCOM sector.
