India’s digital economy relies heavily on submarine cables, which carry over 95% of international data traffic but remain vulnerable to geopolitical tensions, accidents, and disruptions. The article argues that India must strengthen communications resilience by operationalising Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity as a backup rather than a replacement for fibre networks. While recent telecom reforms provide a framework for satellite communications, regulatory delays, licensing hurdles, security requirements, and infrastructure bottlenecks continue to impede deployment. The authors recommend faster spectrum allocation, streamlined approvals, emergency protocols, and prioritised connectivity plans to safeguard critical services during crises.
Please click here to read the full article by Tony Verghese, Partner, and Radhika Gupta, Partner, published in Voice and Data (Magazine).
Radhika specializes in telecommunications, technology and satellite communications sectors. She has extensive experience advising on regulatory issues, licensing arrangements, restructuring, information technology laws, regulations governing telecom spectrum allocation, compliances applicable to manufacturing.