India Pioneers Satellite-Based Internet During Myanmar Earthquake Relief Efforts
In a groundbreaking development for India’s telecommunications landscape, the nation successfully deployed satellite-based internet technology for the first time during a critical humanitarian mission. This milestone occurred as part of Operation Brahma, India’s swift response to provide aid to earthquake-affected communities in Myanmar. By establishing a Eutelsat OneWeb terminal in Mandalay, Myanmar, Indian teams facilitated seamless communication with their base in New Delhi, marking a significant leap in leveraging cutting-edge satellite technology for disaster relief.
A Historic Step in Satellite Connectivity
India’s foray into real-time satellite internet usage underscores its growing prowess in advanced communication technologies. The deployment of the Eutelsat OneWeb terminal in Mandalay was a pivotal moment, enabling first responders to coordinate relief efforts efficiently. This initiative was part of Operation Brahma, launched in response to a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand on March 28, 2025. Within 24 hours, India dispatched planeloads of relief materials, established an army field hospital, and connected critical operations using Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite services provided by Eutelsat OneWeb.
The successful setup of the OneWeb terminal allowed Indian teams to maintain uninterrupted communication, even in the challenging conditions of a disaster-stricken region. Nishtha Kapoor, Regional Director for Asia Pacific at Eutelsat OneWeb, described the experience as “humbling” during her address at the India Defspace Symposium in New Delhi on April 7, 2025. She highlighted how the technology connected the field hospital and response teams within hours, showcasing its reliability and potential for future applications.
The Rise of Satellite Internet in India
India’s adoption of satellite-based internet comes at a time when the nation is poised to become a major player in the global satellite communication market. While the country has not yet officially permitted commercial satellite internet services, several global giants, including Eutelsat OneWeb, Reliance-owned Jio, and Elon Musk’s Starlink, are competing to tap into India’s vast market potential. The successful trial during Operation Brahma has spotlighted the transformative capabilities of satellite technology, particularly in underserved and remote areas.
Eutelsat OneWeb, a leader in LEO satellite operations, received a provisional license to test its technology in India on November 21, 2023. This authorization, granted by IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre), marked a significant step toward launching commercial satellite broadband services in the country. IN-SPACe, the regulatory body overseeing India’s space activities, has also given OneWeb India the green light to establish two gateways in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, further strengthening its infrastructure for nationwide connectivity.
The significance of this milestone was underlined by Sunil Bharti Mittal, chairman of the Bharti Group and a board member of the Eutelsat Group. “The authorization to launch Eutelsat OneWeb’s commercial satellite broadband services is a critical step toward realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Digital India,” he stated in 2024. Mittal added that OneWeb is ready to roll out services as soon as the Indian government allocates the necessary spectrum, a decision eagerly awaited by the company.
How Satellite Internet Works for India
Unlike traditional terrestrial internet, which relies on fiber-optic cables and cell towers, satellite internet uses a constellation of satellites to deliver high-speed connectivity. Eutelsat OneWeb operates a network of over 630 LEO satellites, complemented by 36 geostationary satellites, ensuring low-latency and reliable internet access. These satellites communicate with ground-based terminals—antennas designed to send and receive signals—making it ideal for remote and disaster-prone areas where conventional infrastructure is limited or damaged.
OneWeb’s technology is primarily a business-to-business (B2B) solution, catering to enterprises, government agencies, and defense units rather than individual consumers. Its terminals are larger and more sophisticated than those used for business-to-consumer (B2C) networks like Starlink. During demonstrations for the Indian armed forces in 2024, OneWeb showcased its capabilities at Delhi’s Manekshaw Center and Joshimath, where a mobile army vehicle successfully transmitted live video using the satellite network.
To ensure secure and reliable services, OneWeb has partnered with leading companies such as Airtel, Hughes, Kymeta Corporation, and Intellian. These collaborations enable the delivery of encrypted, geo-fenced connectivity to even the most remote corners of India. Kapoor underlined that OneWeb’s motto, “connectivity anywhere, everywhere, every time,” embodies the company’s dedication to closing the country’s digital gap.
India’s Role in Satellite Launches
India’s space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has played a crucial role in supporting global satellite networks. In a landmark achievement, ISRO used its Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM-3), nicknamed “Bahubali,” to launch 72 OneWeb satellites. This mission was ISRO’s first commercial deal for the LVM-3, highlighting India’s growing expertise in space technology and its ability to compete in the global launch market.
The successful deployment of these satellites has bolstered OneWeb’s constellation, enabling it to provide robust connectivity services. As India continues to invest in its space program, partnerships with private players like OneWeb are expected to drive innovation and economic growth in the sector.
The Competitive Landscape
India’s satellite internet business is expanding, and several companies are fighting for market share. While Eutelsat OneWeb has secured early approvals, competitors like Starlink are also making inroads. In March 2025, Reliance Jio and Airtel announced a potential partnership with Starlink, which operates over 7,000 LEO satellites and plans to add 5,000 more. Unlike OneWeb’s B2B focus, Starlink targets B2C connectivity, offering direct-to-consumer services that could complement the efforts of Jio and Airtel.
Initially, Jio and Airtel raised technical objections to Starlink’s entry into India. However, the prospect of collaboration suggests a shift toward a more inclusive approach to satellite internet. Such partnerships could create a hybrid model, combining OneWeb’s enterprise-grade solutions with Starlink’s consumer-focused services, ultimately benefiting millions of users across urban and rural India.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the progress, challenges remain. The allocation of spectrum by India’s Telecom Department is a critical hurdle for OneWeb and other operators. Without this, commercial services cannot be launched, delaying the rollout of satellite internet across the country. Additionally, the high cost of satellite terminals and the need for robust cybersecurity measures pose logistical and financial challenges for widespread adoption.
However, the opportunities are immense. India’s connection could be completely transformed by satellite internet, especially in rural areas where terrestrial networks are not practicable. From enabling telemedicine in rural hospitals to supporting smart agriculture and disaster management, the applications are vast. By connecting every corner of the country, satellite technology aligns with the Digital India initiative, which aims to empower citizens through universal internet access.
A Vision for the Future
India’s successful use of satellite internet during Operation Brahma is a testament to its technological ambition and humanitarian commitment. As Eutelsat OneWeb awaits spectrum allocation, the company is poised to play a pivotal role in India’s digital transformation. With its secure, high-speed, and low-latency services, OneWeb is ready to connect schools, hospitals, businesses, and government institutions across the nation.
The broader implications of this technology extend beyond India. As satellite internet becomes a global standard, countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America can learn from India’s experience, adopting similar solutions to address connectivity gaps. For India, the journey has just begun, but the foundation is strong. With continued investment, regulatory support, and international collaboration, the nation is on track to become a leader in the satellite communication revolution.
In conclusion, India’s pioneering use of satellite-based internet during the Myanmar earthquake relief mission marks a turning point in its technological evolution. By harnessing the power of LEO satellites, India is not only aiding disaster-stricken regions but also paving the way for a connected future. As Eutelsat OneWeb, Starlink, and other players compete to shape the market, the ultimate winners will be the millions of Indians who gain access to fast, reliable internet—no matter where they are.
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