India Unveils ₹900 Crore Satcom Monitoring Facility to Expand Universal Connectivity
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure | SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
Institutions: Ministry of Communications
At the Satcom Summit 2025, during India Mobile Congress (IMC), the Government announced major reforms to embed satellite communications (satcom) within India’s digital-infrastructure framework. The Minister of Communications unveiled the ₹900 crore National Satcom Monitoring Facility, which will oversee spectrum use, monitor satellite gateways, and safeguard communications as India expands space-based broadband networks.
The programme seeks to connect 38,260 remote villages, three-quarters of which are already covered under the Digital Bharat Nidhi (USOF). It also introduces administrative spectrum allocation and GMPCS licences for private operators (OneWeb, Jio Satellite), with Letters of Intent issued to Starlink, creating a competitive satcom ecosystem.
India’s satcom market is expected to grow from US $4.3 billion (2024) to US $14.8 billion by 2033. The summit’s theme — “Space Networks for Universal Connectivity” — underscored India’s transition from a satellite-service importer to a global exporter of space communications technology.
By treating satcom as core infrastructure, India is linking space-based connectivity with rural development, financial inclusion, and emergency resilience. The monitoring facility and spectrum reforms institutionalise this shift — making satcom a pillar of Digital India and the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
This announcement builds on the space-sector vision outlined by the Department of Space at IMC 2025, which envisages India’s space economy reaching $44 billion by 2033 through satcom-driven digital inclusion. See companion Policy Bite.
What are Digital Bharat Nidhi, Administrative Spectrum Allocation, and GMPCS Licences? → Digital Bharat Nidhi (formerly USOF) funds rural and satellite connectivity using a levy on telecom revenues.
Administrative Spectrum Allocation allows the government to assign frequencies directly for public-interest satellite use instead of auctioning them. GMPCS Licences authorise private firms (e.g. OneWeb, Jio Satellite, Starlink) to provide satellite-based internet and mobile services across India.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
How can India build a satcom governance architecture that balances rapid private-sector growth with spectrum security, affordability, and equitable access for underserved regions?
Follow the full release here: Union Minister of Communications inaugurates SATCOM Summit at IMC 2025