India’s ambition to become a global economic superpower depends on trust and transparency in regulation. Recently, the regulatory stance towards satellite authorisation has raised concerns. The stringent conditions imposed on AsiaSat, a key satellite operator, have disrupted the broadcasting ecosystem. This situation marks deeper issues in India’s regulatory framework and its global credibility.
AsiaSat’s Role in India’s Broadcasting
AsiaSat has been integral to India’s satellite broadcasting for over 30 years. Through its Indian partner, Inorbit Space Telecommunications, AsiaSat served over 850 million TV households in Asia-Pacific. It supported major events like the Indian Premier League, Olympics, and FIFA World Cup. AsiaSat enabled rural connectivity and enterprise communication, helping to expand India’s media reach.
Regulatory Hurdles and Impact
Recently, AsiaSat faced unexpected regulatory challenges seeking long-term authorisation from IN-SPACe, India’s space regulator. A ministry advisory suggested AsiaSat’s services may end by April 2026. This caused uncertainty among broadcasters reliant on AsiaSat’s infrastructure, including Star, Zee, and ABP. The disruption threatens advertising revenue and audience reach, especially in rural areas dependent on satellite TV.
Sectoral Vulnerabilities and Transition Challenges
Switching satellite providers is complex and costly. Broadcasters risk losing live content timelines, especially for sports and political events. Smaller operators face financial strain. The market may fragment, reducing content diversity. Spectrum scarcity limits satellite bandwidth, raising prices and curbing growth. Meanwhile, the shift to 5G and streaming demands heavy investment, hindered by policy unpredictability.
Concerns Over Regulatory Fairness
While AsiaSat struggled, other international operators like OneWeb, Starlink, and SES-Intelsat received approvals smoothly. This selective treatment raises questions about fairness and transparency. Inconsistent enforcement undermines investor confidence and questions India’s commitment to a stable media and communications regime.
Global Alignment and Policy Stability
India’s divergence from global regulatory best practices risks alienating long-term partners. Regulatory decisions appear influenced by geopolitical concerns rather than sector realities. This harms India’s investment climate and global trade relations. At the 2025 WAVE Summit, India emphasised becoming a digital economy hub, promising stability. However, regulatory unpredictability contradicts this vision.
Need for Transparent and Uniform Regulation
India must adopt clear, fair, and consistent regulatory standards free from geopolitical bias. Protecting strategic sectors is valid but must not lead to arbitrary decisions. A $44-billion space economy by 2033 requires regulatory certainty. Investor trust depends on transparent, consultative processes. India’s global reputation as a reliable business destination hinges on this.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically discuss the role of regulatory frameworks in shaping India’s space and broadcasting sectors and their impact on foreign investment.
- Analyse the challenges of spectrum scarcity in India and how it affects the growth of satellite and telecommunications industries.
- Examine the significance of policy stability in encouraging a digital economy and global trade partnerships in emerging economies like India.
- Estimate the geopolitical factors influencing regulatory decisions in strategic sectors and their implications for India’s international relations and economic growth.
