Bharti Airtel, one of the leading integrated providers of telecommunication services, and Hughes Communications India Ltd (HCIL), a subsidiary of Hughes Network Systems (HUGHES), the global leader in broadband satellite networks and services, announced an agreement to combine their VSAT operations in India. The transaction is subject to approvals by relevant authorities.

HCIL is the leading broadband satellite service operator in India. It provides a comprehensive range of broadband networking technologies, solutions, and services for businesses and governments.

As per the agreement, Hughes will have majority ownership in the combined entity and Airtel will have a significant shareholding.

The combined entity will benefit from enhanced scale, improved operational efficiencies and wider market reach. It will be well positioned to leverage the

These are exciting times for satellite broadband service providers as VSAT becomes more mainstream, driven by growing demand from both, enterprise and government segments

demand for secure connectivity in a rapidly growing digital economy.

The combined entity will be able to introduce new VSAT and related technologies to deliver a wide range of quality products and service while continuing to serve existing Hughes and Airtel customers.

“We are very excited about the synergies that this partnership will bring to the Indian ecosystem. These are exciting times for satellite broadband service providers as VSAT becomes more mainstream, driven by growing demand from both, enterprise and government segments,” says Partho Banerjee, President & Managing Director, Hughes Communications India Ltd.

“We are pleased to combine our VSAT operations with Hughes to serve the connectivity needs of Digital India. The partnership will bring amazing synergies to the forefront and combine the proven capabilities of both companies. Customers can look forward to highly secure and reliable connectivity solutions across the length and breadth of India,” says Ajay Chitkara, Director & CEO, Airtel.