Airtel, Hughes to launch satellite broadband services in India

Indian multinational telecommunications services company Bharti Airtel and Hughes Communications India Pvt (HCIPL), a majority-owned subsidiary of Hughes Network Systems LLC, announced the establishment of a collaborative venture to provide satellite broadband services in India.

As such, the JV combines the Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) businesses of both companies to offer scalable enterprise networking solutions using satellite connectivity for primary transport, back-up and hybrid implementation.

The agreement between Bharti Airtel and the player in satellite and multi-transport technologies and networks, was announced in May 2019 and received all statutory approvals, including those from the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and Department of Telecom (Government of India) and the joint venture has been formed.

“We are pleased to commence this joint venture, further delivering on our commitment to serve the growing demand for always on, always available network connectivity for enterprise and government customers,” said Partho Banerjee, president and managing director at HCIPL.

A variety of satellite and hybrid network solutions to business and government customers is offered by the combined India VSAT operations of both companies.

It is worth mentioning that Sunil Mittal-led Airtel will hold a 33 percent stake in the new JV while Hughes will hold the balance 67 percent stake, said a joint press release.

It also added that HCIPL combines the Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) businesses of both companies to offer flexible and scalable enterprise networking solutions using satellite connectivity for primary transport, backup, and hybrid implementation.

HCIPL, which is serving Airtel VSAT customers, has a combined base of over 200,000 VSATs. The company is the largest satellite service operator in India, with unmatched reach and scale, and is well-positioned amid the changing regulatory environment to serve the emerging connectivity requirements of business and government customers with an enhanced product portfolio and operational efficiencies said the release.

In addition, the partnership will bring collaborations to the forefront, including multi-orbit solutions, for the benefit of customers across the length and breadth of India, he added.

Ajay Chitkara, director and chief executive officer, Airtel Business, said: “With the combined capabilities of Airtel and Hughes, customers will get access to next generation satellite connectivity backed by proven enterprise grade security and service support.”