New Delhi, January 30, 2026 – The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is currently examining the application submitted by Amazon Kuiper Services India Private Limited for authorization to offer satellite communication (satcom) services in the country. This development was disclosed by Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on January 29, 2026.
Over the past five years, several companies have sought Unified Licence (UL) authorization for Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) services, aimed at providing nationwide coverage, including in Gujarat. The applicants include Nelco Limited (Tata Group), Yotta Network Services Private Limited (Hiranandani Group), OneWeb India Communications Private Limited (Bharti Group-backed), Jio Satellite Communications Limited, Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited, Amazon Kuiper Services India Private Limited, and Connect4sure Technologies Private Limited.
Following thorough examination, the DoT has granted Unified Licences with GMPCS authorization to only three entities so far: OneWeb India Communications Private Limited, Jio Satellite Communications Limited, and Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited. These approvals position the companies to potentially deliver satellite-based mobile voice and broadband connectivity across India.
In contrast, the applications from Nelco Limited and Yotta Network Services Private Limited were rejected. Connect4sure Technologies Private Limited chose to withdraw its application entirely.
Amazon Kuiper’s request remains under active review by the DoT. No specific timeline for a decision has been indicated, though the process reflects the government’s ongoing evaluation of proposals in this emerging sector.
Satellite-based communication services hold significant promise for bridging connectivity gaps in India. They are particularly suited to reach rural, remote, underserved, coastal, border, and mountainous regions where deploying traditional terrestrial infrastructure—such as optical fiber or microwave networks—is challenging or economically unviable.
While OneWeb, Jio, and Starlink have secured licences, their full commercial rollout in India will likely require additional regulatory steps, including spectrum allocation, security clearances, and operational readiness. The status of Amazon Kuiper’s application underscores the competitive landscape in India’s satcom market, where global players like Amazon (through Project Kuiper), Starlink (SpaceX), and OneWeb vie alongside domestic giants.
This update highlights the DoT’s cautious approach to licensing in the satellite communications domain, balancing innovation with regulatory oversight as the country aims to expand high-speed internet access nationwide.
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