MUMBAI: Reliance Jio is exploring the development of a sovereign satellite constellation for India, marking a significant step in the country’s ambitions to strengthen its space-based communications infrastructure.
Speaking about the company’s future plans in the space sector, Reliance Jio Chairman Akash Ambani announced that the telecom giant is evaluating the creation of a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation designed specifically for India.
The move comes as global demand for satellite-based broadband services grows rapidly, driven by the need to connect remote regions, support critical infrastructure and provide resilient communication networks.
“We are evaluating the development of a sovereign LEO satellite constellation for India,” Ambani said, adding that the initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance India’s self-reliance in space technologies.
If pursued, the project would place Jio among a select group of companies globally developing large satellite networks in low Earth orbit. Such constellations consist of hundreds or even thousands of satellites operating a few hundred kilometres above Earth, enabling high-speed internet services with lower latency than traditional geostationary satellites.
The announcement also signals India’s growing interest in establishing indigenous capabilities in satellite communications, a sector currently dominated by international players.
The company has previously worked with international satellite communication firms as it seeks to extend broadband coverage beyond the reach of terrestrial mobile networks.
Jio is also building its own ground station infrastructure within India, a crucial component for operating satellite services. Ground stations act as the link between satellites in orbit and users on Earth, enabling data transmission and network management.
The proposed constellation could play a key role in bridging India’s digital divide by providing internet access to remote villages, mountainous regions, islands and other underserved areas where laying fibre-optic networks remains difficult or expensive.
The announcement comes at a time when India’s space sector is undergoing rapid transformation. Government reforms have opened the industry to private participation, leading to the emergence of several domestic space startups and increased investment in satellite technologies, launch services and downstream applications.
A sovereign satellite network could also have strategic significance by reducing dependence on foreign communication infrastructure and strengthening national capabilities in disaster management, defence communications and emergency response.
While Jio has not provided a timeline for the project, Ambani said the company’s investments in satellite partnerships and ground infrastructure are aimed at creating a robust space ecosystem that supports India’s long-term technological and economic goals.
Agencies