Jio Platforms, India's largest telecom operator and digital services company, is evaluating the rollout of low-orbit satellite communications in India, a sector that has also attracted interest from global players such as Elon Musk's Starlink [1]. Akash Ambani, managing director of Jio Platforms and chairman of Reliance Jio Infocomm, stated, "Jio connected India on the ground. Now we must connect India from the skies," highlighting the company's ambition to expand connectivity through satellite technology [1].
Jio Platforms is partnering with leading global constellation providers to lease satellite capacity for a rapid rollout, while also developing its own long-term sovereign satellite capability [1]. The company plans to build ground station infrastructure in India to support both partner constellations and its future satellites [1]. This announcement coincided with Jio Platforms filing draft papers for an initial public offering on Friday [1].
Last year, SpaceX announced agreements with Jio and Bharti Airtel to deploy Starlink internet services in India, but progress has been slow and Starlink has not yet launched service in the country [1]. Both Jio and Starlink aim to provide satellite connectivity to remote and underserved regions in India [1].
According to Bloomberg, India had effectively frozen approvals for Starlink's commercial operations due to security concerns, but Lauren Dreyer, vice president of Starlink business operations at SpaceX, disputed this, stating that Starlink remains in active and productive discussions with the Government of India [1].
CONCLUSION
Jio Platforms is accelerating its satellite internet ambitions in India, positioning itself as a key player as Starlink faces regulatory delays. The move signals heightened competition and potential market transformation in India's connectivity landscape, especially for remote and underserved areas.