Bharti Airtel, Hughes Communications to combine their India VSAT operations

HCIL is a majority-owned subsidiary of broadband network and services provider Hughes Network Systems

The Sunil Mittal-led telecom major Bharti Airtel and Hughes Communications India (HCIL) on Tuesday  have decided to combine their VSAT  (Very Small Aperture Terminal) satellite communications operations in India. The transaction is subject to approvals by relevant authorities.

HCIL is the India unit of Hughes Network Systems, LLC, the global leader in broadband satellite networks and services.

VSAT refers to the provision of data services using satellites, and is used extensively by banks and ATMs.

 Hughes will have majority ownership in the combined entity and Airtel will have a significant shareholding.
 

The combined entitty of Airtel and Hughes will be able