Jio Satellite Communications and OneWeb, owned by Bharti Enterprises, have obtained government approval to provide broadband internet services directly to end-users through satellite connectivity. These companies have secured pan-India Internet Service Provider (ISP) licenses, a crucial authorization for delivering internet connectivity via satellite or mobile networks.

It's important to note that the ISP license differs from a global mobile personal communication by satellite (GMPCS) service license. The latter is the primary requirement for companies seeking to establish communication between satellite and earth station gateways, enabling them to offer voice and data services through satellite technology. This distinction underlines the specific focus on providing broadband internet services to end-users.

To provide broadband connectivity directly to end-users, particularly in residential or office settings, companies need licenses beyond the mandatory Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) license, according to an official. In addition to the GMPCS license, companies must obtain other licenses, such as the Internet Service Provider (ISP) license. This distinction highlights the various regulatory requirements for delivering broadband services to end-users in specific environments.

Now armed with both GMPCS and ISP licenses, OneWeb and Jio Satellite are poised to launch their satellite-based internet services commercially. The only remaining requirement is clarity on the allotment of satellite spectrum before the companies can initiate their services.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) recently granted OneWeb the ISP A (national area) along with Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) licenses. Jio Satellite had already received the ISP license last month, as confirmed by officials.

VSAT, a device equipped with an antenna typically one meter in diameter, facilitates the transmission and reception of data, voice, and video signals. Widely used for banking and ATM connectivity in rural areas, VSAT also serves as a crucial element for providing backhaul connectivity in cellular mobile services.

GMPCS licenses cater to mobile devices/services on the move, while a combination of VSAT and ISP licenses enables the delivery of broadband internet services, according to industry officials. At the India Mobile Congress on October 27, Jio showcased India's first satellite-based gigabit Internet service, JioSpaceFiber. The demonstration included connecting remote locations in Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Assam. OneWeb also expressed readiness to meet demand with its satellite constellation starting at the end of this month.

Among other contenders, Starlink, owned by Elon Musk, is expected to secure the GMPCS license soon, while Amazon's Project Kuiper has submitted an application for the license to provide satellite communication services in the country.

Satellite Internet services are most effective in remote areas, where companies may require some form of government subsidy to make these services affordable.

Recent reports indicate that the delay in appointing a new chairman for the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) will postpone the resolution of satellite spectrum allocation issues. This delay will impact the rollout of satellite-based broadband services by operators such as OneWeb and Jio Satellite, as highlighted in a recent report.

Image source: Financial Express