Partnering with top satellite providers, Tata’s Nelco aims to expand India’s broadband reach via a virtual network model, targeting retail and enterprise users without heavy infrastructure.
Tata Group’s Nelco has received preliminary approval from the Indian government to operate as a virtual network operator (VNO) for satellite broadband services. The licence will allow the company to resell satellite internet without owning satellites or major infrastructure.
Under the VNO model, Nelco can partner with leading satellite providers such as Starlink, Eutelsat, OneWeb, Amazon’s Kuiper, and Jio Satellite. This approach aims to reduce capital expenditure while offering flexibility to provide a range of connectivity solutions, including portable and on-the-move internet.
A few months ago, Nelco signed an agreement with Eutelsat OneWeb to deliver low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity across India. This complements its existing services, including ATM connectivity and in-flight communications, which have historically relied on ISRO and leased foreign satellite capacity.
Once fully licensed, Nelco plans to expand its satellite broadband offerings to both retail and enterprise customers. According to a Mint report, the VNO strategy marks a pivot from Nelco’s previous plan to seek a Global Mobile Personal Communications by Satellite (GMPCS) licence and operate its own satellite constellation. The original approach was delayed due to setbacks in partner Telesat’s LEO satellite deployment.
Now, Nelco aims to leverage third-party satellite constellations, including LEO, medium-earth orbit (MEO), and geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites, to offer branded, multi-modal connectivity. This approach provides greater agility as spectrum allocation policies continue to evolve in India.
Analysts predict India’s satellite communications market could grow from $2.3 billion today to $20 billion by 2028. Amid this growth, the move aligns with India’s broader push for digital inclusion and remote connectivity.
