Satellite Connectivity Sparks Debate in Telecom Industry

Bharti Group's chairman, Sunil Mittal, supports shared spectrum for satellite connectivity in rural areas, advocating policy clarity for urban regions from TRAI and DoT. Mittal anticipates a telecom industry structure with 3-4 players, including BSNL, to maintain competitive and low-cost services in India.

Sunil Mittal, Chairman of the Bharti Group, has voiced his endorsement for providing satellite connectivity spectrum on a shared basis in rural and underserved regions, a move he believes is crucial for reaching areas otherwise in the dark.

Addressing the SOUL leadership conclave 2025, Mittal emphasized that while rural areas should benefit from shared spectrum, urban policy needs to protect terrestrial providers' interests. His comments come amidst heated industry discussions on the future of satellite and telecom cooperation.

Mittal also discussed the optimal telecom industry structure, proposing that 3-4 operators, including BSNL, should ideally dominate the market to sustain India's low telecom tariffs and high data access for consumers.