Jio Unveils Ambitious Plan for 1,600 Satellites in India
Reliance Jio announces a groundbreaking initiative to deploy 1,600 satellites to enhance connectivity across India, while Starlink awaits regulatory approval.
Jio plans to launch 1,600 Low Earth Orbit satellites and 23 ground stations.
The initiative aims to provide connectivity to over 600,000 villages and remote areas.
Starlink is still pending regulatory approvals for its commercial launch in India.
Reliance Jio has announced an ambitious project to deploy a constellation of approximately 1,600 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites along with 23 ground stations across India. This announcement was made during the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026 held in New Delhi, marking a significant step towards expanding internet connectivity in regions where traditional telecom infrastructure is challenging to establish. The initiative is part of Jio's vision for 'Sovereign Satellite Connectivity', which aims to integrate satellite technology with its existing mobile and fiber networks.
The proposed satellite network is designed to enhance connectivity not only in urban areas but also in over 600,000 villages, remote islands, and border locations. Jio's strategy emphasizes the importance of combining satellite and terrestrial networks to ensure comprehensive coverage. The company envisions this network supporting various sectors, including aviation, maritime operations, government services, defense, and disaster response, while also facilitating direct-to-device calling for rural users.
Jio's commitment to keeping the entire satellite value chain within India includes aspects such as design, engineering, integration, testing, and operations. This approach aligns with the theme of the IMC, which focuses on 'Scale Without Boundaries'. By leveraging satellite technology, Jio aims to extend its services to areas that are difficult to reach with conventional infrastructure, thereby enhancing overall connectivity across the nation.
In contrast, Elon Musk's Starlink is still navigating the regulatory landscape in India, having received its GMPCS license and IN-SPACe authorization but requiring additional approvals to commence commercial operations. The Indian government has stated that the authorization process is fair and non-discriminatory, and that Starlink, Jio Satellite Communications, and Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb are at similar stages in the regulatory process. Security assessments for all three companies are currently ongoing.
As Starlink continues to build its infrastructure in India, establishing 20 gateway sites and implementing specific security measures for user data, Jio's expansive satellite initiative positions it uniquely in the market. While Starlink focuses on completing its entry, Jio is laying the groundwork for a comprehensive satellite connectivity solution that could redefine internet access in India.
