Summary:
Reliance Jio has submitted a proposal to IN-SPACe to develop an indigenous low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, which, if approved, would make it the first Indian company to enter the LEO satellite segment. The initiative combines plans for a sovereign satellite network with leased capacity from global providers to accelerate broadband rollout while building long-term domestic capability. Jio is also developing ground station infrastructure to support its satellite ecosystem. Industry estimates suggest the project could require USD 10–15 billion in investment, positioning Jio alongside global players such as Starlink, Project Kuiper, and OneWeb, while advancing India’s goal of technological self-reliance in satellite communications.
Jio Seeks IN-SPACe Approval for Proposed LEO Satellite Network
According to the report, Reliance Jio has submitted its proposal to the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), which is currently reviewing the technical design and overall architecture of the proposed satellite constellation. If the project receives approval, Jio would become the first Indian company to establish a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation.
The proposal comes as several countries are working to reduce their reliance on overseas satellite operators amid increasing national security concerns. At present, Starlink dominates the global LEO satellite market with a constellation of nearly 10,000 satellites in orbit.
The report, citing an official, stated that the government intends to assist Jio with International Telecommunication Union (ITU) filings required to secure orbital slots, given that an Indian company is entering this strategically important sector. The official also indicated that similar support would be extended to other domestic companies seeking to enter the satellite communications market.
Akash Ambani Shares Jio’s Vision for Satellite Connectivity
During the 49th Annual General Meeting (Post IPO) of Reliance Industries Limited on June 19, 2026, Akash Ambani, Managing Director of Jio Platforms Limited (JPL), announced that the company is assessing the development of a sovereign LEO satellite constellation for India.
He said that while Jio has successfully connected much of the country through terrestrial networks, remote villages, islands, and border regions still remain beyond conventional network coverage. Satellite communications, he noted, would help bridge this connectivity gap.
Ambani explained that Jio is pursuing a dual strategy by evaluating its own indigenous LEO satellite constellation while simultaneously partnering with leading global satellite operators through leased capacity. This approach is expected to enable faster rollout of satellite broadband services while laying the groundwork for a long-term, sovereign satellite infrastructure.
He also revealed that Jio is developing its own ground station infrastructure within India. These facilities will support both partner satellite constellations and Jio’s future satellite network, creating a fully integrated satellite broadband ecosystem spanning space and terrestrial infrastructure.
According to Ambani, these initiatives will strengthen India’s self-reliance in the space sector and establish the country as a significant participant in the global satellite broadband market.
Project Could Require Investment of USD 10–15 Billion
Experts cited in the report estimate that deploying a constellation of this scale could require an investment of USD 10–15 billion (approximately ₹95,000 crore to ₹1.41 lakh crore). Depending on the technology adopted, the network could deliver several terabits of communication capacity. The satellite communications business is expected to operate under Jio Platforms, alongside the company’s existing digital businesses.
Jio Enters Intensifying Global LEO Satellite Competition
Worldwide competition in the LEO satellite sector continues to accelerate. Amazon’s Project Kuiper is building a constellation of around 3,200 satellites and has already launched more than 300 into orbit. Meanwhile, Eutelsat OneWeb, where the Bharti Group is the second-largest shareholder after the French government, operates a network of approximately 654 satellites.
Reliance Jio also maintains a joint venture with Luxembourg-based SES, which currently provides services through geostationary and medium Earth orbit satellites but does not operate in the LEO segment.
Jio’s proposed satellite programme reflects the company’s broader ambition to develop indigenous space-based communication infrastructure at a time when foreign satellite service providers, including Starlink, are facing increased regulatory and national security scrutiny. The initiative also supports India’s wider objective of strengthening technological self-reliance in strategic sectors.
