Sunil Mittal Advocates for Inclusive Satcom Spectrum Policy for Urban Connectivity

Sunil Mittal, Chairman of Bharti Group, recently addressed the ongoing debate about satellite connectivity. He suggested that while spectrum for rural and remote areas can be shared, urban policies should ensure fairness for terrestrial providers. Speaking at the SOUL Leadership Conclave 2025, Mittal emphasised the importance of satellite broadband in reaching underserved regions.

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Mittal highlighted that many areas globally remain without adequate connectivity. Satellite broadband is crucial to illuminate these dark zones. "We fully welcome that," he stated, acknowledging the necessity of satellite services in these regions. Bharti Group is already active in providing such services worldwide and is awaiting permissions to expand further.

Telecom Industry Structure and Tariffs

Discussing the telecom industry's optimal structure, Mittal proposed having three to four operators, including BSNL, to serve India effectively. He noted India's low telecom tariffs, allowing users access to 30-60 GB of data monthly for just two-and-a-half to three dollars. This affordability makes India unique in the global telecom landscape.

Mittal expressed his belief that a limited number of operators would best serve the country. "I personally feel there will be three to four operators," he said, suggesting this as the ideal size for the industry. This structure would ensure competitive yet sustainable service provision.

Leadership Insights and Personal Philosophy

At the conclave, Mittal shared his views on leadership and life philosophy. He disagreed with living each day as if it were the last, warning against impulsive decisions. Instead, he advocated starting each day afresh, viewing it as a new beginning. "Every morning when you wake up, you should feel like it is the first day of your life," he advised.

The SOUL Leadership Conclave gathered leaders from various fields to discuss their leadership journeys. Mittal defined leadership as empowering others rather than just leading from the top. He recounted his hands-on approach during challenging times, working alongside his team to resolve network issues overnight.

Challenges and Successes in Telecom

Mittal reflected on the challenges faced by Bharti Airtel in its early days. Securing capital and navigating regulations were significant hurdles. "We had little to no mortgage and no major fundraising mechanisms like today existed," he recalled. Despite these obstacles, persistence and learning from setbacks propelled Bharti Airtel's success.

He emphasised the importance of being present with one's team and understanding challenges firsthand. This approach helped him lead effectively through difficult situations. The journey was not easy, but it taught valuable lessons that contributed to Bharti Airtel's rise in the telecom sector.

The conclave provided a platform for leaders to share transformative experiences and inspire future thinkers. Mittal's insights into leadership and industry dynamics offered valuable perspectives for attendees seeking guidance in their own leadership paths.