Bharti expects to launch satellite internet services in India by early 2022 using the OneWeb satellite constellation. It expects co-operation from ISRO. OneWeb will have 648 low-earth orbit (LEO) constellation of satellites, 1200 kms apart, covering every inch of the globe. It has joined hands with the UK government to acquire OneWeb company backed by Japan’s Softbank. The company has gone bankrupt. The Bharti-led consortium would revive the company. The trials are expected in Europe.

There are areas in India where fibre connectivity or terrestrial radio connectivity are challenging, e.g. Andaman & Nicobar islands, deserts of Rajasthan, forests in MP. Satellite connectivity will be helpful here to provide broadband Internet access.