Hughes, Airtel to combine India VSAT biz’

Telecom operator Bharti Airtel and Hughes Communications India Ltd (HCIL) on Tuesday announced they would combine their VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) satellite operations in the country.

The HCIL is a subsidiary of broadband satellite networks and services provider Hughes Network Systems.

Hughes will have majority ownership in the combined entity while Airtel will have a significant shareholding, according to a statement.

The statement did not spell out the financial details of the transaction, which is subject to requisite approvals.

“The combined entity will benefit from enhanced scale, improved operational efficiencies and wider market reach. The combined entity will be well positioned to leverage the demand for secure connectivity in a rapidly growing digital economy,” it said.