In a significant regulatory update for India’s burgeoning space economy, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has officially rejected the satellite communication license applications of Tata Group’s Nelco and Hiranandani Group’s Yotta Network Services. Simultaneously, the government confirmed that Amazon’s Project Kuiper (rebranded as Amazon Leo) is currently under active examination for its permit to operate in the Indian market.

Minister of State for Communications, Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, informed the Rajya Sabha in a written reply on Thursday that the applications for Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) authorization from Nelco Ltd and Yotta Network Services Pvt Ltd were denied after a thorough examination. While the specific grounds for rejection were not detailed in the brief, the DoT maintains stringent security and compliance standards for any entity wishing to provide satellite-based broadband.

The Satcom landscape in India is becoming increasingly exclusive, with only a few giants securing the necessary Unified License (UL) with GMPCS authorization. As of early 2026, the approved list includes:

• OneWeb India Communications (backed by Eutelsat and Bharti Airtel)
• Jio Satellite Communications (Reliance)
• Starlink Satellite Communications (Elon Musk’s SpaceX)

While domestic players faced a setback, Amazon Kuiper Services India remains in the race. Its application is currently “under examination” by the DoT. Amazon, which recently rebranded its satellite effort to Amazon Leo, is looking to deploy a constellation of over 3,200 low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. The company has already committed over $10 billion to the global project and is aiming to bridge the digital divide in India’s most remote, coastal, and mountainous regions.

Other notable changes in the applicant pool include Connect4sure Technologies, which chose to withdraw its application entirely.

The Indian government views satellite communication as a critical pillar for last-mile connectivity. Unlike terrestrial fiber or microwave links, which are difficult to deploy in rugged terrains, satellite broadband can provide high-speed, low-latency internet to underserved areas. The current licensing framework ensures that authorized operators provide services without discrimination, supporting the mission of Digital India.

Key Highlights:

• Tata & Hiranandani Rejections: The DoT has formally rejected GMPCS license bids from Nelco and Yotta Network Services.
• Amazon Review: Amazon’s “Project Kuiper” (Amazon Leo) is still under government review, moving closer to a potential Indian launch.
• The Big Three: Only Jio, Starlink, and OneWeb currently hold the primary licenses required for satellite mobile services in India.
• Digital Connectivity: The move highlights the government’s focus on high security and strict compliance for satellite internet expansion in rural regions.