The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has mandated the testing and certification of satellite communication equipment, including non-geostationary orbit user terminals, effective 180 days post a February 25 notification. From August 2025, only certified equipment will be permitted for use and import in India, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. As major players like Eutelsat-OneWeb, Jio-SES, Starlink, and Amazon-backed Kuiper prepare to launch services, a competitive landscape is emerging over satcom spectrum allocation, with the government favoring non-auctioned licenses.