Jio: Jio's satellite internet mission gets approval; high-speed network to reach across India via 1,600 satellites..
Reliance Jio's ambitious satellite communication project has received significant backing. India's space regulator, IN-SPACe, has deemed the company's plan to deploy approximately 1,600 Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites technically viable. This assessment was conducted in consultation with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
This approval marks a crucial milestone for Jio, enabling the company to proceed with the process of securing orbital slots at an international level. If the plan progresses on schedule, it could become India's first large-scale, indigenously developed satellite broadband network.
**What is Jio's plan?**
Reliance Jio aims to create a communication network by launching around 1,600 LEO satellites into space, capable of providing high-speed internet and mobile connectivity across India.
According to the company's proposal, the network will have a total capacity of 4.5 to 5 Terabits per second (Tbps). This capacity is considered superior to that of many existing and proposed satellite internet services. Additionally, Jio plans to establish 20 to 22 ground stations across the country to facilitate the operation of the satellite network.
**What services will be offered?**
Through this project, Jio will provide fixed satellite services, such as broadband and cellular backhaul. It also plans to offer direct-to-device connectivity under its mobile satellite services. The benefits of this initiative will extend to general consumers as well as industries and institutions.
**Strategically significant**
This project is considered important not only from a commercial standpoint but also from a strategic one. Reports indicate that the inclusion of defense-related payloads in the satellite network in the future is also being considered. If realized, this network would strengthen national security and significantly boost India's indigenous space communication capabilities. Amid rising global geopolitical tensions, many countries are seeking to reduce their reliance on foreign satellite networks. In this context, India's own LEO satellite network could prove crucial for the future.
How does it compare to Starlink and Project Kuiper?
In terms of capacity, Jio's plan appears stronger than that of its global competitors. Starlink has received approval for a capacity of 600 gigabits per second (Gbps) in India, whereas Amazon's Project Kuiper has a proposed capacity of 3 Tbps. However, Kuiper has not yet received final approval from IN-SPACe.
What happens next?
Even after securing technical approval, Jio will need to complete several regulatory processes. These include obtaining orbital rights from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), coordinating with other global satellite operators to prevent signal interference, and establishing the proposed ground stations in India.
Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.
