India’s First Private Satellite Broadband: Ananth Technologies Gets IN-SPACe Approval, Service to Launch by 2028

Hyderabad-based Ananth Technologies has received approval from IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre) to launch India’s first private satellite broadband service. The project, expected to be operational by 2028, will use satellites made entirely in India. This move is historic as it marks the entry of an Indian private company into the space-based internet sector, directly competing with global players like Starlink (Elon Musk), OneWeb (Bharti Global & UK Govt.), and Amazon’s Project Kuiper.

The service will enable direct-to-home satellite broadband connectivity, particularly benefiting rural and remote areas where internet access is weak or absent. This initiative supports India’s Digital India mission and enhances self-reliance in space technology.

MCQs

Question 1

Which Indian company has become the first private firm to receive approval for satellite broadband services?
A) ISRO
B) Ananth Technologies
C) OneWeb
D) Reliance Jio
Answer: B) Ananth Technologies
Explanation: Ananth Technologies, based in Hyderabad, has received approval from IN-SPACe to launch India’s first private satellite broadband service.

Question 2

By which year is Ananth Technologies expected to launch India’s first private satellite broadband service?
A) 2025
B) 2026
C) 2028
D) 2030
Answer: C) 2028
Explanation: The service is expected to start by 2028, bringing high-speed internet connectivity to underserved rural and remote areas.

Question 3

Which organization approved Ananth Technologies to provide satellite broadband services?
A) ISRO
B) TRAI
C) IN-SPACe
D) DOT
Answer: C) IN-SPACe
Explanation: The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) authorized Ananth Technologies to operate India’s first private satellite broadband project.

Question 4

Which of the following are global competitors in the space-based internet market?
A) Starlink, OneWeb, Amazon Kuiper
B) Google Fiber, Airtel Xstream, BSNL
C) ISRO, DRDO, HAL
D) Nokia, Ericsson, Samsung
Answer: A) Starlink, OneWeb, Amazon Kuiper
Explanation: These are the leading global players in the satellite internet domain, with whom Ananth Technologies will compete.

Question 5

What is the key benefit of India’s first private satellite broadband service?
A) Reducing mobile tariffs
B) Delivering direct-from-space internet to rural and remote areas
C) Replacing fiber internet in cities
D) Enhancing television broadcasting
Answer: B) Delivering direct-from-space internet to rural and remote areas
Explanation: The project aims to provide high-speed broadband directly from satellites, especially benefiting areas with poor or no internet infrastructure.