Reliance Jio has proposed 1,600 low Earth orbit satellites and 23 ground stations to expand connectivity to more than 600,000 villages, remote islands and border areas.
Reliance Jio has presented its proposed 1,600-satellite network at the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026 in New Delhi. The telecom giant outlined plans to extend internet connectivity in areas where mobile towers & fiber-optic cables are difficult to deploy.
The initiative, presented as ‘Sovereign Satellite Connectivity’, could position the company to compete with Elon Musk’s Starlink as India’s satellite broadband market develops.
The proposal combines a satellite network with 23 planned ground stations and Jio’s existing terrestrial infrastructure. However, the project remains in the planning stage, and it still needs further regulatory coordination and infrastructure development before deployment.
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Jio Plans 1,600 Satellites and 23 Ground Stations
Jio’s proposed network will comprise about 1,600 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, supported by 23 ground stations that connect the space-based system to ground infrastructure.
The company aims to keep the entire value chain within India, covering design, engineering, integration, testing, launch, deployment and operations. The plan also involves integrating satellite connectivity with its existing mobile and terrestrial network.
The proposed system aims to provide coverage across land and maritime areas, with a stated ambition to reach more than 600,000 villages. Remote settlements, islands and border outposts are among the key areas identified for improved connectivity.
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Satellite Internet to Target Remote Areas and Critical Services
Beyond rural broadband, Jio has potentially identified applications across enterprises, remote industrial sites, aviation, maritime operations, government services, defense & disaster response.
The plan further includes a vision for direct-to-device calling in rural areas, potentially extending communication services to regions where conventional telecom infrastructure is difficult to establish.
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Can Jio’s Satellite Plan Rival Starlink?
The proposal comes as Starlink continues to await final security clearances and spectrum allocation for commercial operations in India. The company has been seeking entry into the Indian market since 2022.
In July, India’s space regulator, IN-SPACe, reportedly found Jio’s 1,600-satellite proposal technically sound & comparable to international systems such as Starlink.
Jio has also sought government help with International Telecommunication Union filings and coordination with other satellite operators over orbital rights.
Reports outline a possible phased deployment, including a test flight in September 2027, nearly 400-450 satellites by 2030 and constellation completion by 2035.
Jio’s proposed network can further strengthen India’s domestic satellite connectivity ambitions. Still, its ability to challenge Starlink will depend on regulatory clearances, deployment timelines and the eventual delivery of coverage at scale.
Samarjit Kaur is a journalist and communications professional covering technology & emerging digital trends. With a focus on clarity and context, she reports on developments shaping industries and governance. When not reporting, she chooses to plug-in and relax on her playlists and plan her next bucket-list trips!
