India Successfully Tests Satellite-Based Internet During Myanmar Earthquake Relief
In a historic move, India successfully tested satellite-based internet services during its humanitarian mission in quake-hit Myanmar. This initiative, part of Operation Brahma, marks the country’s first real-time deployment of low-earth orbit (LEO) internet technology in an international relief effort.
Following a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand on March 28, India responded swiftly by sending planeloads of relief supplies and establishing an army field hospital. Within just 24 hours, Indian forces on the ground in Myanmar’s Mandalay were connected to New Delhi via a OneWeb Eutelsat terminal.
OneWeb, a global LEO satellite operator and part of the Eutelsat Group, made this groundbreaking achievement possible. Nishtha Kapoor, Regional Director of OneWeb India, emphasized the significance of this moment at the India Defspace Symposium in New Delhi on April 7, describing it as a “humbling experience.” She confirmed that geo-fenced terminals established encrypted and secure connectivity in the most remote regions.
OneWeb had earlier received a provisional license from the Indian government on November 21, 2023, to test its satellite-based broadband technology. It was also the first company authorized by IN-SPACe, India’s space regulatory agency, to launch commercial satellite services in the country.
Although India has not officially launched full-scale satellite internet services yet, this real-time trial could represent a major turning point. Key players such as Jio, Starlink, and OneWeb are all vying for entry into the vast Indian market. OneWeb has partnered with Indian telecom giants like Airtel and Hughes to provide secure and high-speed internet access.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has played a crucial role by launching 72 OneWeb satellites using its powerful Launch Vehicle Mark-3, nicknamed the “Bahubali” rocket.
Eutelsat OneWeb has also received preliminary approval to build two gateways in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, paving the way for a full rollout once the expected spectrum allocation is finalized.
“This is just the beginning,” said Kapoor. “Once the spectrum is allocated, we’re ready to bring satellite internet connectivity to every corner of India.”
As India aspires to achieve universal digital access under the Digital India mission, the response to the Myanmar earthquake may just be an early glimpse of the future of emergency communication and connectivity.
