Reliance Jio is reportedly planning a massive deployment of 1,600 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites and 23 ground stations to bring high-speed internet to India's remotest corners.
1,600
Planned LEO Satellites
⏳ Time Machine
How today’s news fits into the bigger picture
2016
Jio launches 4G services
Reliance Jio entered the Indian telecom market, disrupting it with free voice calls and highly affordable data, rapidly expanding internet access across the country and democratizing digital services.
2020
Global LEO race heats up
Companies like SpaceX (Starlink) and OneWeb accelerated their plans for LEO satellite constellations, demonstrating the viability and potential of satellite internet for global coverage.
Late 2024
First satellite broadband trials
Early trials for satellite broadband services, including those involving Jio's potential partners, began in select remote parts of India, showcasing the technology's potential.
Early 2026
Increased focus on digital inclusion
The Indian government reiterated its commitment to achieving universal digital inclusion, highlighting the need for innovative solutions to reach unserved populations, making satellite internet a strategic priority.
Today
Reliance Jio reportedly announced plans to deploy 1,600 LEO satellites and 23 ground stations for satellite internet services.
What happens next?
Jio will proceed with obtaining regulatory approvals, satellite manufacturing, and launching, followed by the rollout of satellite internet services across India.
Reliance Jio, led by Akash Ambani, is reportedly making a significant foray into the satellite internet sector. The company plans to deploy **1,600 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites** and establish **23 ground stations** across India. This ambitious initiative aims to significantly expand connectivity, especially targeting areas currently underserved by traditional terrestrial networks. By leveraging LEO satellite technology, Jio seeks to offer high-speed, low-latency internet access, potentially transforming digital access for millions in rural and remote regions of the country and intensifying competition in the nascent satellite broadband market.
💭 If you're wondering…
Traditional geostationary satellites orbit much higher (around 36,000 km), leading to higher latency (delay in signal) but covering a large area with fewer satellites. LEO satellites orbit much lower (around 500-2,000 km), offering lower latency and faster speeds but require more satellites to provide continuous coverage.
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