Security Delays Slow OneWeb's Satcom Rollout

With its trial phase for satellite internet spectrum drawing to a close this month, Eutelsat OneWeb, backed by Airtel's parent Bharti Enterprises, is seeking more time from the Centre to meet all of India's stringent security norms.

- Jatin Grover & Shouvik Das

Three officials aware of the matter, who requested anonymity since the subject is currently in discussions, said that extending the spectrum trial is crucial because while OneWeb has met almost 80% of the security requirements of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the final bit presents a significant technological challenge.

"The DoT may extend the timeline for use of the provisional spectrum, to give OneWeb time to attain full compliance," one of the three officials cited above said. "Jio Platforms has not yet made such an application."

The challenges, two of the officials said, include setting up network control and monitoring centres in the country, giving India control over satellite telemetry-on-ground management and monitoring of satellites based on transmitted data.

Indian authorities require that telemetry and control of satellites serving Indian users need to be done from within India to ensure national security and data sovereignty.