Key facts
- Jio Platforms is considering building a low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite constellation for India.
- The proposed constellation would consist of 1,600 to 1,650 satellites.
- The venture aims to compete directly with Elon Musk's Starlink and Amazon's Project Kuiper.
- Reliance has submitted a proposal to India's space regulator, IN-SPACe, for the constellation.
- The company is exploring both organic and inorganic expansion options, including potential acquisitions.
- Jio aims to have LEO satellites operational within two to four years.
Jio Platforms, the digital arm of India's Reliance Industries Ltd., is reportedly exploring a significant investment in a low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite constellation. This move is intended to establish a domestic satellite internet service, directly challenging global players like Elon Musk's Starlink and Amazon's Project Kuiper within India. The company has submitted a proposal to the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) for a constellation of 1,600 to 1,650 satellites, aiming for operational status within two to four years. This initiative is seen as crucial for India's digital sovereignty, data privacy, and national security, as the country currently relies on foreign-owned satellite infrastructure.
Reliance is reportedly engaging with regulators and technology partners to secure orbital slots and develop the necessary ecosystem. This includes discussions with the Department of Telecommunications for International Telecommunication Union (ITU) filings and active talks with satellite technology firms. Inorganic growth options, such as acquiring a company that already holds orbital slots, are also reportedly on the table, mirroring Amazon's strategy with Globalstar. The estimated investment for this venture is between $10 billion and $15 billion.
While Starlink currently dominates the LEO satellite market with approximately 10,000 satellites, Jio aims to become India's first home-grown LEO constellation provider. Other competitors in the space include Amazon's Project Kuiper, Eutelsat OneWeb, and AST SpaceMobile. The government is reportedly supportive of domestic entities securing orbital slots, viewing it as a strategic priority. Key executives involved in driving this project include RIL president PK Bhatnagar, Jio Platforms CEO Mathew Oommen, and JPL senior vice president Aayush Bhatnagar, with Mukesh Ambani personally spearheading the initiative.