Policy · Mobility & Logistics

Eutelsat OneWeb seeks urgent Indian security approval

By Startup Enthusiast · 2 September 2026

What they do

The company provides satellite internet services using a global network of low earth orbit satellites

It is waiting over 18 months for mandatory security clearance to launch commercial operations in India

Delays risk rendering many satellites useless as they near the end of their operational lifespans

Eutelsat OneWeb has requested an urgent grant for its LEO satellite constellation launch in India.
The company is awaiting security nod for more than 18 months since demonstrating compliance in January 2025.
The Department of Telecommunications confirmed that data was submitted and law enforcement queries were answered.
The clearance scope includes lawful interception, network monitoring, and localisation of critical network functions.
Spectrum assignment is required after security approval before the company can begin commercial operations.
The delay impacts the timeline for commercial launch despite earlier authorizations from IN-SPACe.
The company was the first satcom operator to secure a GMPCS licence from the DoT in August 2021.
IN-SPACe authorised the company in November 2023 to provide satellite constellation capacity in India.

Many satellites in the constellation are nearing the end of their operational lives.
Further delays could render these satellites useless before they can be utilised commercially.
Competitors like Starlink and Jio Satellite are also awaiting similar security clearances.
Reliance Industries is evaluating a multi-billion-dollar investment in its own LEO constellation.

Eutelsat OneWeb operates a global LEO constellation with more than 600 satellites.
The company holds a GMPCS licence from the DoT secured in August 2021.
It received authorization from IN-SPACe in November 2023 to provide capacity in India.
Ground infrastructure includes gateways in Mehsana and Thoothukudi with PoPs in Mumbai and Chennai.
Gateways connect to the global constellation to deliver satellite broadband services to users.
The company replaces completed-life satellites but sees its operational count declining.
Initial launch targets were set for 2022 but faced repeated delays due to geopolitical issues.
72 satellites were launched via ISRO missions in October 2022 and March 2023.