Hughes and Airtel join forces to offer satellite broadband services throughout India

An alliance between Hughes Communications India (HCIPL), a subsidiary of Hughes Network Systems, and Bharti Airtel was announced on Wednesday.

HCIPL combines the Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) businesses of both companies to offer flexible and scalable enterprise networking solutions using satellite connectivity for primary transport and backup.

"Combining the proven capabilities of both Hughes and Airtel, the partnership will bring synergies to the forefront.  Including multi-orbit solutions, for the benefit of customers across the length and breadth of India," Partho Banerjee, president and managing director, HCIPL, said.

In May 2019, the joint venture was announced and received all statutory approvals, including those from the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and the Department of Telecom.
HCIPL has a combined base of over 200,000 VSATs.

"With the combined capabilities of Airtel and Hughes, customers will get access to next-generation satellite connectivity backed by proven enterprise-grade security and service support," said Ajay Chitkara, director and chief executive officer, Airtel Business.

In addition to providing managed network services, HCIPL offers broadband networking technologies, solutions, and services to government offices and enterprises across a variety of industries, including banking, aeronautical and maritime mobility, small and medium-sized businesses, and education.

With massive reach and scale, "the company is the largest satellite service operator in India, well-positioned amid the changing regulatory environment to serve the emerging connectivity requirements of business and government customers with an enhanced product portfolio and operational efficiencies," according to the statement.

(With inputs from PTI)