New Delhi, October 8, 2025 — The India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025 kicked off with the first-ever Satcom Summit, held at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre. The summit marked a pivotal moment for India’s satellite communication sector, bringing together government leaders, industry experts, and private sector innovators to explore how space-based networks can bridge the digital divide and accelerate inclusive growth.
The summit was inaugurated by key dignitaries including:
- Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Hon’ble Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region
- Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble Minister of State for Science and Technology
- Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman, ISRO & Secretary, Department of Space (DoS)
- Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe
In his keynote, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia emphasized the transformative power of satcom:
“Satcom means a doctor in every home and a teacher in every remote classroom. It’s not a luxury—it’s a national necessity.”
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted growing international collaborations and the critical role of public-private partnerships in boosting innovation and efficiency in India’s space ecosystem.
Dr. V. Narayanan outlined India’s progress from its first mission to now deploying over 100 satellites in a single launch, reinforcing the need for last-mile connectivity to support India’s development vision for 2047.
Industry leaders echoed the urgent need for spectrum reforms, multi-orbit strategies, and regulatory frameworks to unlock the full potential of satcom:
- Lt Gen AK Bhatt (Retd), Director General, ISpA, called for a balanced regulatory approach to accelerate spectrum allocation and reduce industry entry barriers.
- Parnil Urdhwareshe, Director, Starlink India, praised India’s forward-thinking policies and reaffirmed Starlink’s commitment to expanding rural connectivity.
- Gaurav Sharma, MD, Viasat India, emphasized a multi-orbit strategy (GEO, MEO, LEO) for optimal performance across use cases, especially in maritime, aviation, and defense sectors.
The summit covered key themes including:
- Next-generation satellite technologies
- Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs)
- Space-based internet
- Integration with 5G/6G ecosystems
- Regulatory innovation for sustainable growth
About IMC 2025
The 9th edition of India Mobile Congress, co-hosted by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), is Asia’s largest digital technology forum. With the theme “Innovation for Transformative Change”, IMC 2025 features:
- 1.5+ lakh visitors from over 150 countries
- 400+ exhibitors, 800+ speakers, and 7,000+ delegates
- 1,000+ real-world use cases across 5G, 6G, AI, IoT, Satcom, Green Tech, Smart Mobility, and more
