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Reliance Jio satellite connectivity expansion

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2026-10-18 16:41 UTC → 2026-10-25 22:24 UTC · added ~~removed~~

At the India Mobile Congress 2026, Reliance Jio announced plans to deploy a sovereign satellite network of approximately 1,600 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites and 23 ground stations to provide broadband to maritime areas, border outposts, and 600,000 villages. Chairman Akash Ambani noted the company is developing an indigenous technology stack and has filed patents for pre-6G technologies to position India as a leader in the 6G era. Following public criticisms from Elon Musk, who accused Reliance and the Indian government of creating hurdles for Starlink, Reliance Industries issued a statement welcoming competition, including Starlink, describing it as a “test of customer service.” Reliance emphasized that all players must abide by Indian laws and noted that its own unit, Jio Platforms, is also awaiting necessary regulatory clearances. Starlink countered that it has been working with Indian regulators for over five years and has already built required in-country infrastructure, such as gateways, to serve users securely. Elon Musk subsequently expressed appreciation for Reliance’s stance on social media. The Indian Ministry of Communications has since clarified the regulatory landscape, noting that Starlink, Jio Satellite Communications, and Eutelsat OneWeb are all at similar stages, awaiting security clearances and spectrum allocation. Additionally, Bharti Airtel chairman Sunil Mittal indicated that his company applied for a satellite internet license five years ago and is currently ahead in the regulatory queue. While Starlink has seen significant traffic growth in other markets like Cabo Verde, it continues to face regulatory hurdles in India. Despite holding a license since June 2025, the company remains unable to sell connections due to pending security clearances from the Home Ministry, fueling debate over foreign security threats versus the need for rural connectivity.

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