Reliance Industries Platforms Gets Green Light to Launch Jio Satellite Internet in India

Reliance Industries’ Jio Platforms, in collaboration with Luxembourg’s SES, has been approved by India’s space regulator to operate satellites for high-speed internet, according to Reuters.

A government official reported that three approvals to be were granted to Orbit Connect India, a venture aimed at providing internet via satellite.

These clearances, issued by the Indian National Space Promotion and Jio Satellite Internet Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) in April and June, permit Orbit Connect to position satellites over India.

However, further approvals from the Department of Telecommunications are still required before the service can begin.

This approval marks a significant development in of the race to offer satellite communication services, with Amazon and Elon Musk’s Starlink also seeking permissions.

IN-SPACe Chairman Pawan Goenka told Reuters that Inmarsat and others have also received approval to operate satellites, highlighting the growing interest in the satellite broadband market of the Jio.

Jio Satellite Internet Deloitte forecasts robust growth for India’s satellite broadband market, predicting a 36% annual increase over the next five years, with revenues expected to reach Rs 1.9 billion by 2030.

Globally, the competition to connect rural areas via satellite internet has intensified. Amazon’s Kuiper initiative, with a planned $10 billion investment, and SpaceX’s Starlink, already operational, are keys players in this arena.

Recently, Starlink received preliminary approval from Sri Lanka to offer its services there.

Jio Satellite Internet Goenka emphasized the benefits of increased competition in India’s satellite internet sector, suggesting that competitive pricing would drive innovation to meet consumer expectations, similar to developments seen in the automotive industry.

IN-SPACe is set to further authorize private companies to operate ground stations in India, facilitating satellite data downloads.

Recent policy changes by the government, including opening up the space sector to foreign direct investment, have sparked investor interest, leading to an increase in funding compared to previous years.

“Last year, investments into private companies were of the $2 million to $7 million. This year, they are talking $20 million to $30 million. The proof of concept has happened,” Goenka told Reuters.

The authorisations have not been previously reported. They were granted in April and June from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre, known as IN-SPACe. These allow Orbit Connect to operate satellites above India, but further approvals are needed by the country’s department of telecoms to begin operations.