**Executive Summary**
This document, issued by the Ministry of Communications on January 29, 2026, provides an update on the status of Unified License (UL) applications for Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) service. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued ULs to three companies. Several applications were rejected, and one was withdrawn.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Applications for Unified License (UL):**
* Several companies applied to the DoT for a UL with authorization for GMPCS, including Nelco Limited, Yotta Network Services Private Limited, OneWeb India Communications Private Limited, JIO Satellite Communications Limited, Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited, Amazon Kuiper Services India Private Limited, and Connect4sure Technologies Private Limited.
* **License Status:**
* The DoT issued ULs to OneWeb India Communications Private Limited, JIO Satellite Communications Limited, and Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited.
* The applications of Nelco Limited and Yotta Network Services Private Limited were rejected.
* Connect4sure Technologies Private Limited withdrew its application.
* The application of Amazon Kuiper Services India Private Limited is under examination.
* **Satellite Service Provisions:**
* Satellite-based communication services will provide connectivity in rural, underserved, and unserved areas.
* Licensees must provide satellite-based communication services without discrimination.
**Impact Analysis**
**Telecom Companies**
* **Impact:** Companies that received licenses can now provide GMPCS services. Companies whose applications were rejected cannot provide these services. Amazon Kuiper Services India Private Limited must await the examination of their application.
* **Action Required:** Companies with ULs must adhere to license conditions, including non-discrimination.
**Consumers in Rural/Underserved Areas**
* **Impact:** Increased access to connectivity via satellite communication services.
* **Action Required:** Be aware that satellite services can be accessed in remote areas to support digital access.
Key Entities Referenced
Department of Telecommunications (DoT): The central government body responsible for granting Unified Licenses for telecommunications services.
Unified License (UL): License issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) authorizing companies to provide telecommunication services.
Satellite Communication Services: The main topic of the document, refers to the services provided via satellite.
Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) Service: A specific service requiring authorization under the Unified License.
Gujarat: Mentioned in relation to national service area of Satellite services
Ministry of Communications
Satellite Communication Services
प्रव तथ: 29 JAN 2026 6:31PM by PIB Delhi
Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, in a
written reply to an unstarred question in the Rajya Sabha today, said that during the last five years, Nelco
Limited, Yotta Network Services Private Limited, OneWeb India Communications Private Limited, JIO
Satellite Communications Limited, Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited, Amazon Kuiper
Services India Private Limited, and Connect4sure Technologies Private Limited have applied to
Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for grant of Unified License (UL) with authorization for
Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) Service for national service area, including
Gujarat.
After examination of these applications, DoT has issued Unified License (UL) with authorisation for
GMPCS service to three companies, namely OneWeb India Communications Private Limited, JIO
Satellite Communications Limited, and Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited. The
applications of Nelco Limited and Yotta Network Services Private Limited have been rejected, whereas
Connect4sure Technologies Private Limited has withdrawn its application. The application of Amazon
Kuiper Services India Private Limited is under examination.
Satellite-based communication services can provide connectivity in rural, underserved and unserved areas,
including remote, coastal, border and mountainous regions of the country, which otherwise are difficult to
be covered through terrestrial media such as optical fiber, microwave, etc. It is also mentioned that as per
the License conditions, the licensee will provide satellite-based communication services without any
discrimination from any applicant at any place in the service area for the service(s) authorized. This will
support in bridging the digital divide, addressing the last mile connectivity issues and promoting equitable
access to digital services.
*****
MI/ARJ
(रलीज़ आईडी: 2220346) आगंतुक पटल : 198
इस वज्ञ को इन भाषाओ ंम पढ़: ही