Industry Leaders Support Satellite Communication Role in Complementing Telecommunication Services

The second day of the Indian Space Conclave, organized by Indian Space Association (ISpA), witnessed the discussions focusing on the telecom and satellite communications landscape of India. Prominent dignitaries including Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Hon’ble Union MoS for Rural Development and Communications; Shri Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman TRAI; Prof. T.G. Sitharam, Chairman, AICTE; Dr. Madhu Arora, Member (Technology), DoT graced the conclave.

In the plenary session, leaders across the board, voiced the importance of satellite communications, possibilities and challenges ahead. Hon’ble MoS Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani and TRAI Chairman Shri Anil Kumar Lahoti advocated for the complementary role of satellite communications in India, considering terrestrial telecommunications sector is already playing a crucial role in digital connectivity.

The day 2 of the conclave also focused on strengthening satcom adoption in India, space domain awareness, Regulatory challenges, sustainable models to strengthen PNT. The Conclave witnessed participation from speakers across the industry including global speakers from the US Space Force Command, Embassy of Italy and others.

Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications said, “SATCOM is not just a tool; it’s a transformative force connecting households, villages, and every corner of our country. Today, its applications span critical sectors, from agriculture and road infrastructure monitoring to healthcare and education services. With the advent of 5G and soon 6G, SATCOM will bridge the ground and sky, enabling a fully connected world. It’s not here to compete with terrestrial networks, but to complement them. Integrating 5G and upcoming 6G technologies requires partnerships between the private sector and the government to build resilient networks. Our Prime Minister, our visionary leader, Narendra Modi ji, he has a belief that India’s rise is inevitable and it has sparked a renaissance in Indian space science. The new Telecommunications Act of 2023, supporting administrative allocation of spectrum, empowers the private sector to play a vital role in this journey toward digital connectivity. The ambitious goal for the space sector growth is about more than economic gains; it is a driver for job creation, technological advancement, and national pride. The growth India is witnessing is an invitation for all stakeholders—government, industry, and citizens—to participate in creating an India that is digitally inclusive, globally competitive, and socially equitable.”

Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman, TRAI said, “India is making efforts in satellite communication to expand digital connectivity across the country, particularly in remote and underserved areas. By supporting cellular and Wi-Fi backhaul and developing capabilities for upcoming 5G and 6G networks, these technologies can transform how industries and enterprises connect. Under the Indian Space Policy, private sector participation is encouraged, creating a level playing field and fostering innovation in non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) for global communication. These NTNs are poised to develop new use cases across sectors, contributing to sustainable development goals and empowering sectors like healthcare, education, and agriculture. Internationally, India’s participation in the World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 has underscored efforts to integrate IoT systems with mobile satellite networks, improving connectivity for remote areas. Looking forward, the WRC 2027 will address spectrum management for NTNs, further supporting these efforts. Under the Telecommunications Act’s new ‘one nation, one authorization’ framework, satellite telecom providers can now operate nationwide, offering services from GMPCS to emergency SOS messaging. Such initiatives are setting a foundation for India’s satellite communication sector to flourish, bridging connectivity gaps across the country.”

Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACE said, India’s space sector is going through an exciting transformation, with a growing private ecosystem that’s driving innovation and technological progress. The Rs 1,000 crore venture capital fund plays a crucial role in this shift, helping startups and MSMEs that often struggle to access traditional funding. Unlike grants, this fund offers equity investments, which means companies will go through a thorough due diligence process to prove their potential. The goal is to attract even more private investment, eventually growing the fund into something much larger. This initiative is set to give India’s space companies the boost they need to thrive, positioning the country as a leader in global space innovation. While cost-effectiveness gives India an edge, staying relevant in space will require cutting-edge tech. India’s continued investment in future technologies will help it stay ahead. With government support and a strong private sector driving progress, India is set to lead the world in space exploration, combining affordability with technological excellence.

Prof. T. G. Sitharam, Chairman, AICTE said, “To support India’s ambitious space missions, we must nurture engineers skilled in both traditional fields and emerging areas like data science, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. Technical education must evolve to reflect interdisciplinary knowledge and skills that align with fields such as space and defense technology. Through partnerships and innovative programs, AICTE is paving the way for a dynamic, future-ready workforce. For example, we’ve collaborated with in space and the Society of Indian Defense Manufacturing Association (SIDM) to create specialized programs in space and defense technologies, aligning academic programs with industry requirements. Strategic collaborations with leading organizations like ISRO and DRDO are helping us make this vision a reality, integrating cutting-edge subjects and applications into our curricula.”

Lt. Gen. AK Bhatt (retd.), Director General, Indian Space Association said, “The recent Telecommunications Act of 2023 are transformative steps which will streamline our processes, force the innovation and encourage more private sector participation. Moreover, the government’s commitment to administrative allocation of spectrum is a decisive move that will propel the SATCOM adoption all across the nation. All these initiatives are creating an environment where India’s space and communication sector can thrive attracting both national and international investments.”