RegWatch Asia-Pacific & Middle East
Strategic Regulatory Intelligence for Digital Leaders
Issue #05251105 | November 7, 2025
"Asia's Satellite-Semiconductor Convergence: Understanding the Policy Window for Digital Infrastructure"
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COVER STORY: MARKET ANALYSIS
What's Happening: Three Major Regulatory Developments
Over the past year, three of Asia's largest digital markets have initiated parallel policy frameworks addressing satellite-semiconductor infrastructure convergence:
🇮🇳 INDIA (August-September 2025)
TRAI finalized satellite earth station gateway (SESG) recommendations, enabling private sector participation in ground infrastructure for LEO operators. The Department of Telecommunications has begun coordinating with semiconductor manufacturers regarding connectivity requirements for designated fab zones.
🇻🇳 VIETNAM (September 2024-2025 Implementation)
The government approved Decision 1018/QD-TTg in September 2024, establishing Vietnam's national Semiconductor Strategy 2030. The strategy commits $5 billion in government investment through 2030. During 2025, the Ministry of IT has initiated consultations with satellite operators regarding connectivity infrastructure for planned manufacturing zones.
🇲🇾 MALAYSIA (June-September 2025)
MCMC published updated device certification standards (MCMC MTSFB TC T012:2025) addressing semiconductor equipment interoperability. A transition period extends until December 26, 2025, allowing vendors to align compliance frameworks.
Market Context: Infrastructure Requirements
Modern semiconductor manufacturing facilities operate as sensor-intensive smart factories requiring continuous connectivity for IoT integration, supply chain monitoring, and quality control systems. Industry standards typically specify sub-10 millisecond latency and 99.99% uptime.
Several planned manufacturing zones across India, Vietnam, and Malaysia are being developed in locations where existing fiber infrastructure is limited. Traditional fiber deployment timelines range from 3-5 years, while satellite-based solutions can be deployed within months once regulatory frameworks are established.

Market Opportunity: Market analysts project the manufacturing connectivity segment could represent $5-10 billion in annual revenue for infrastructure providers, based on GSMA and ITU data regarding IoT and industrial connectivity adoption patterns.
Policy Window: Active Consultation Period
Governments are currently soliciting industry input on implementation frameworks. Historical analysis suggests companies engaging during policy development phases often secure more favorable positioning than those waiting for final regulations.
Recommended actions for different stakeholders:
Semiconductor Manufacturers
  • Review satellite connectivity options for planned fab locations
  • Participate in government consultations on infrastructure requirements
  • Assess hybrid satellite-terrestrial architectures
Satellite Operators
  • Develop manufacturing-grade service specifications addressing latency and reliability requirements
  • Engage with regulatory authorities on certification processes
  • Prepare technical documentation for licensing applications
Equipment Vendors
  • Verify product compliance with emerging certification standards
  • Participate in government technical working groups
  • Develop manufacturing-specific product documentation
System Integrators
  • Build expertise in satellite-terrestrial integration for industrial applications
  • Monitor government tender announcements
  • Develop partnerships across the value chain
REGULATORY CALENDAR
Key Dates & Events
🇮🇳 INDIA
1
November 15, 2025
TRAI Consultation Closes - Satellite IoT for Manufacturing
Topic: Industry feedback on regulatory framework for satellite-enabled supply chain tracking in semiconductor zones
Stakeholders: Semiconductor companies, satellite operators, equipment vendors
Source: TRAI official consultation portal (www.trai.gov.in)
2
December 1, 2025
Department of Telecom - Gateway Licensing Round 2 Deadline
Topic: Second round of satellite earth station gateway (SESG) applications
Applicants: Satellite operators seeking manufacturing zone coverage
Source: DoT official circular (dot.gov.in)
3
December 10, 2025
Ministry of Electronics - AI-Semiconductor Integration Task Force Report (Expected)
Topic: Preliminary recommendations for AI governance in semiconductor manufacturing networks
Impact: May establish new compliance requirements for network equipment vendors
Note: Projected date based on government timeline; subject to change
Source: MEITY announcement (meity.gov.in)
4
January 15, 2026
India Semiconductor Fab Allocation Results - Final Round (Projected)
Topic: Government announces final site allocations for approved manufacturers
Impact: Winning companies begin Phase 1 infrastructure planning
Note: Analyst projection based on government roadmap
Source: MEITY official announcements
5
January 31, 2026
TRAI - Satellite IoT Licensing Framework (Expected)
Topic: Final rules for satellite-based IoT connectivity in manufacturing and supply chain
Impact: Enables commercial service offerings to semiconductor companies
Source: TRAI regulatory roadmap
🇻🇳 VIETNAM
November 20, 2025
Ministry of IT & Telecom - Connectivity Guidance for Semiconductor Zones (Expected)
Topic: Preliminary guidance on connectivity infrastructure requirements for approved fab locations
Stakeholders: Companies awarded manufacturing investment approvals
Source: Vietnam Ministry of IT & Telecom official site
December 1, 2025
Viettel Phase 1 Fab Operational Start (Planned)
Topic: Vietnam's first semiconductor chip factory begins trial operations
Impact: Establishes immediate connectivity demand
Source: Vietnamese government announcement
December 15, 2025
Ministry of Digital Transformation - Infrastructure Allocation Announcement (Expected)
Topic: Government releases infrastructure investment plan for semiconductor zones
Impact: Will include connectivity component specifications
Source: Projected government announcement
January 30, 2026
Vietnam Telecom Authority - Satellite Gateway Framework (Projected)
Topic: Regulatory framework for satellite gateway operations in manufacturing zones
Impact: Opens market to formal satellite operator licensing
Source: Analyst projection based on government timeline
🇲🇾 MALAYSIA
December 26, 2025
MCMC Certification Transition Period Ends
Topic: All new equipment certifications must comply with MCMC MTSFB TC T012:2025 standards
Stakeholders: Equipment vendors selling into Malaysian manufacturing zones
Action Required: Complete certification updates by December 25
Source: MCMC official notice (www.mcmc.gov.my)
January 15, 2026
Malaysia MITI - Semiconductor Manufacturing Investment Framework (Expected)
Topic: Detailed government investment incentives for approved manufacturers
Impact: Will specify connectivity infrastructure requirements
Source: Malaysia MITI (Ministry of Investment, Trade & Industry)
🌏 REGIONAL COORDINATION EVENTS
December 10-12, 2025
APT (Asia-Pacific Telecommunity) Regional Forum
Location: To be announced
Topic: Regional coordination on telecom, satellite, and manufacturing infrastructure policy
Significance: India's approach likely influences regional frameworks for Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia
Source: APT.int calendar
January 20-22, 2026
ASEAN Semiconductor Industry Forum (Annual)
Location: To be announced
Topic: Regional coordination on semiconductor manufacturing policy and standards
Significance: Regional regulatory harmonization opportunity
Source: ASEAN Secretariat
INDUSTRY EVENTS CALENDAR
Telecommunications & Connectivity
November 17-19, 2025
Wi-Fi World Congress Dubai
Location: Connect Conference Centre, Expo City, Dubai, UAE
Focus: Wi-Fi industry innovation, 5G/6G integration, wireless connectivity
Co-located with: Dynamic Spectrum Alliance Global Summit (Nov 18)
Relevance: Wireless infrastructure for manufacturing applications
Website: wifinowglobal.com/dubai-2025
November 18-19, 2025
Telecoms World Asia
Location: Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre, Bangkok, Thailand
Focus: Digital solutions for Asian telcos, 5G rollout, network modernization
Attendees: 2,000+ telecom executives, 140+ speakers
Relevance: Telco infrastructure for industrial connectivity
Website: terrapinn.com/conference/telecoms-world-asia
November 18-19, 2025
International Telecoms Week (ITW) Asia
Location: Singapore
Focus: Wholesale connectivity, digital infrastructure, carrier services
Co-located with: Datacloud Asia, infraXchange Asia
Relevance: Infrastructure partnerships, satellite-terrestrial integration
Website: internationaltelecomsweekasia.com
Satellite & Space Communications
November 4-6, 2025 | APSCC 2025 (Asia-Pacific Satellite Communications Council)
Location: Taipei, Taiwan
Focus: Satellite and space technology, broadband connectivity, Earth observation
Relevance: Asia-Pacific satellite market dynamics, regulatory frameworks
Website: apsccsat.com
December 11-13, 2025 | IEEE COMNETSAT 2025
Location: Padang, Indonesia (Hybrid: online and offline)
Focus: Communications, networks, and satellite systems
Topics: Network architectures, satellite protocols, IoT, optical networks
Relevance: Technical standards for satellite-terrestrial integration
Website: comnetsat.org
December 17-18, 2025 | 7th Annual Summit on Satellite and Space Communication Technology
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Focus: LEO constellations, 5G/6G integration, Earth observation, deep space communication
Relevance: Next-generation satellite technologies for manufacturing applications
Website: satellite.enggconferences.com
Semiconductors & AI
September 9-11, 2025
SEMICON Taiwan 2025
Location: Taipei, Taiwan
Focus: Semiconductor manufacturing, packaging, materials, AI integration
Topics: HBM, Edge AI, datacenter acceleration, supply chain dynamics
Relevance: Manufacturing connectivity requirements, fab infrastructure
Website: semicontaiwan.org
November 5, 2025
GSA Asia Pacific Executive Forum
Location: Taipei, Taiwan
Focus: AI-driven transformation, supply chain realignment, geopolitical shifts
Attendees: Semiconductor industry senior executives
Relevance: Industry perspectives on manufacturing infrastructure
Website: gsaglobal.org/events
Date TBA
AI-Semiconductor Conference Vietnam
Location: Vietnam
Focus: Convergence of AI and semiconductors, policy frameworks
Topics: AI-silicon revolution, chip design, manufacturing process control
Relevance: Vietnam's semiconductor strategy implementation
Website: aisc.events
Digital Infrastructure & Networking
September 17, 2025
FutureNet Asia
Location: Singapore
Focus: Network automation, AI in telecoms, autonomous operations
Topics: Monetizing 5G, cloud-native telco, Gen AI applications
Relevance: Next-generation network infrastructure for manufacturing
Website: futurenetworld.net/events/futurenet-asia-2025
November 11-13, 2025
AfricaCom
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Focus: Infrastructure growth, AI-driven services, 5G rollouts
Relevance: Emerging market infrastructure models applicable to Asia
Website: africatechfestival.com/africacom
MARKET ANALYSIS
Competitive Positioning
First-Mover Considerations
Historical analysis of infrastructure development cycles suggests early engagement during policy formation offers several advantages:
Advantages
  1. Policy Input: Opportunity to contribute technical expertise to framework development
  1. Relationship Building: Earlier correspondence and engagement timelines
  1. Market Intelligence: Better visibility into upcoming opportunities
  1. Partnership Development: More time to build ecosystem relationships
Considerations
  • Regulatory uncertainty during policy development
  • Resource commitment before final rules established
  • Potential for policy changes requiring strategy adjustments
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
Manufacturing Connectivity
Industry-Standard Specifications
Based on international semiconductor manufacturing standards:
Latency Requirements
  • Target: <10ms for real-time process control
  • Critical applications: <5ms for safety systems
  • Standard applications: <20ms for monitoring
Reliability Requirements
  • Uptime: 99.99% (four nines) minimum
  • Redundancy: N+1 or better for critical systems
  • Failover: <1 second for backup activation
Bandwidth Requirements
  • Typical fab: 10-100 Gbps aggregate
  • IoT sensors: 1-10 Mbps per device (thousands of devices)
  • Video surveillance: 25-50 Mbps per camera (hundreds of cameras)
  • Enterprise applications: 100 Mbps - 1 Gbps
Security Requirements
  • Encryption: AES-256 or equivalent
  • Authentication: Multi-factor for all access
  • Network segmentation: Isolated OT/IT networks
  • Compliance: ISO 27001, industry-specific standards
Satellite-Terrestrial Hybrid Architectures
Many deployments will likely use hybrid approaches:
Satellite Primary Use Cases
  • Initial deployment during fiber buildout
  • Backup/redundancy for critical systems
  • Remote site connectivity
  • Mobile/temporary facility connections
Fiber Primary Use Cases
  • High-bandwidth backbone connectivity
  • Lowest latency applications
  • Primary data center connections
  • Long-term steady-state operations
ADVISORY PERSPECTIVE
Navigating Policy Cycles
Understanding Policy Development Phases
Phase 1: Consultation (Current)
  • Governments solicit stakeholder input
  • Framework concepts under development
  • Multiple iterations likely
  • Highest influence potential
Phase 2: Finalization (Expected Q1 2026)
  • Draft regulations published
  • Public comment periods
  • Final revisions
  • Moderate influence potential
Phase 3: Implementation (Expected Q2 2026+)
  • Licensing processes begin
  • Operational frameworks established
  • Limited influence on frameworks
  • Focus shifts to execution
Engagement Approaches
For Private Sector Companies:
1
Direct Engagement
  • Respond to official consultations
  • Provide technical documentation
  • Participate in working groups
  • Submit formal applications
2
Industry Association Engagement
  • Work through trade associations
  • Participate in industry coalitions
  • Contribute to position papers
  • Joint advocacy initiatives
3
Advisory Support
  • Government relations specialists
  • Regulatory affairs consultants
  • Legal counsel with local expertise
  • Technical consultants
For Government Agencies:
1
International Benchmarking
  • Study comparable markets
  • Understand implementation challenges
  • Adapt best practices to local context
  • Avoid known pitfalls
2
Stakeholder Coordination
  • Multi-stakeholder consultations
  • Public-private dialogues
  • Academic and research input
  • International cooperation
3
Technical Expertise
  • Independent technical assessments
  • Standards development support
  • Compliance framework design
  • Implementation guidance
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Strategic Recommendations
For Satellite Operators
Consider developing manufacturing-grade service specifications that address latency, reliability, and security requirements. Government engagement during the current consultation period may provide valuable market intelligence and relationship development opportunities.
For Semiconductor Manufacturers
Evaluate satellite connectivity as a deployment acceleration option, particularly for locations with limited fiber infrastructure. Consider participating in government consultations to ensure frameworks accommodate satellite-based solutions.
For Equipment Vendors
Review emerging certification requirements and timelines. Consider engaging with government technical working groups to understand evolving standards.
For System Integrators
Build expertise in hybrid satellite-terrestrial architectures for manufacturing applications. Monitor government tender announcements and partnership opportunities.
For Investors
The satellite-semiconductor convergence represents a potentially significant infrastructure market opportunity. Companies engaged during policy development may establish stronger competitive positions.
For Government Officials
This represents an opportunity to establish infrastructure frameworks that balance innovation, security, and market development. International collaboration and stakeholder engagement can inform robust policy design.
ABOUT REGWATCH
RegWatch Asia-Pacific & Middle East
RegWatch Asia-Pacific & Middle East provides strategic regulatory intelligence for executives and government officials navigating telecom, satellite, semiconductor, and digital infrastructure across Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Central Asia.
What You Get:
  • Analysis and Intelligence on policy developments
  • Strategic analysis connecting regulatory shifts across multiple markets
  • Actionable timelines for government engagement windows
  • Technical insights from years of regulatory experience
Published: Bi-weekly
Read time: 8-10 minutes
Next issue: November 21, 2025
Subscribe: insights.mehulbhandari.com/regwatch
SOURCES & RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research Foundation: Analysis based on official government sources (TRAI, MCMC, Vietnam MoIT, India MEITY, DoT), industry data (GSMA Intelligence, ITU, APT), and engagement with regulatory stakeholders across the region.
Verification Standards:
  • Regulatory dates marked "Expected" or "Projected" are analyst estimates based on official government roadmaps; subject to change
  • Vietnam Decision 1018/QD-TTg approved September 2024; 2025 timeline references relate to implementation phase
  • Market projections ($200B opportunity) derived from GSMA/ITU connectivity data and manufacturing IoT requirements
  • All confirmed dates cross-verified with official government publications

Independent Analysis: This publication maintains editorial independence. Views expressed are based on regulatory expertise and market analysis, not influenced by commercial relationships.
ABOUT MEHUL BHANDARI
Mehul Bhandari and his associates help companies and governments navigate regulatory frameworks in Asia's digital infrastructure markets. With 15+ years advising on policy, licensing, and market access, Mehul provides strategic engagement, stakeholder management, and market access support for investment, socio-economic benefits, and business development activities across India, Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia.
Mehul's RegTech expertise, delivered through collaboration with sector specialists, covers all 16 key sectors in the ecosystem:
  • Satellite Communications (SATCOM) Operators – Gateway licensing, spectrum coordination, market entry.
  • Space Technology & Launch Services – Orbital slots, space policy, debris mitigation frameworks.
  • Telecom Operators & Mobile Networks – Spectrum auctions, 5G/6G rollout, NTN integration.
  • Telecom Equipment Vendors – Type approval, security certifications, standards compliance.
  • Technology Consulting & Systems Integration – Market entry due diligence, policy impact assessments.
  • Cloud & Digital Infrastructure – Data sovereignty, cloud licensing, edge computing regulations.
  • Network Infrastructure & Towers – Tower sharing, right-of-way, EMF compliance.
  • Regulatory Bodies & Government – Policy harmonization, ITU coordination, standards development.
  • Aerospace & Defense – Defense procurement, Drones, offset requirements, military SATCOM licensing.
  • IoT, M2M & Connected Devices – IoT spectrum, device certification, satellite-IoT roaming.
  • Artificial Intelligence & Telecom – AI governance in networks, algorithm transparency, bias mitigation.
  • Manufacturing & Supply Chain – Local content mandates, export controls, supply chain resilience.
  • Sales Channels & Distribution Networks – Channel licensing, partner authorization, territory compliance.
  • Regional Defense & Strategic Technology – Technology transfer, B2G/G2G agreements.
  • Emerging Technologies & Verticals – 6G policy, quantum computing, autonomous vehicles connectivity.
  • Semiconductors & Electronics Manufacturing – Fab licensing, tariff navigation, quality certifications.
Background: MBA (Lisbon MBA, Portugal – MIT Sloan, USA) | MSc (King's College London, UK) | B.E. (RGTU, India) | Former roles at GSMA (UK), Viasat (USA), Etisalat (UAE), and equipment, services, and export promotion agency (India).
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Published: November 7, 2025 | Issue: #05251105 | Next Issue: November 21, 2025

Note on Advisory Services: Mehul Bhandari and his associates are open to collaboration, consulting, and advisory projects with companies and government agencies across all 16 sectors. This publication maintains editorial independence and presents objective analysis. Readers should conduct appropriate due diligence for specific business and decisions.