New Delhi: Reliance Jio is preparing to make a major entry into the rapidly expanding satellite communications sector with plans to deploy a large low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, marking what could become the first such initiative by an Indian company. The move comes at a time when the Indian government is increasing scrutiny of foreign satellite communication providers over national security and regulatory concerns.
According to reports, the Mukesh Ambani-led telecom giant has proposed launching a constellation comprising approximately 1,600 to 1,650 satellites positioned at an altitude of around 650 kilometres above the Earth. The network is expected to be rolled out over the next two to three years and will be designed to provide high-speed broadband connectivity as well as direct-to-device communication services.
The proposal has been submitted to the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), the country’s space sector regulator responsible for facilitating and authorising private participation in space activities. Officials are currently evaluating the technical architecture and configuration of the proposed network. The satellite business is expected to operate under Jio Platforms, which houses Reliance’s digital and technology ventures.
If approved and executed, the project would place Jio among a select group of global companies operating large-scale LEO satellite constellations. The segment is currently dominated by Elon Musk’s Starlink, which operates roughly 10,000 satellites in orbit and provides satellite internet services across multiple countries. Other major players include Amazon’s Project Kuiper, which is deploying a planned constellation of about 3,200 satellites, and Eutelsat OneWeb, which has approximately 654 satellites in space.
Jio already has a presence in the satellite communications sector through its joint venture with Luxembourg-based satellite operator SES. However, that partnership focuses on geostationary and medium Earth orbit satellites rather than LEO systems. The proposed constellation would therefore represent a significant expansion of Jio’s space-based communications ambitions.
Industry experts cited in reports estimate that establishing a constellation of this scale could require an investment ranging from $10 billion to $15 billion, equivalent to approximately ₹95,000 crore to ₹1.41 lakh crore. Such an investment would rank among the largest private-sector commitments to India’s emerging space economy. Depending on the technology and satellite specifications used, the network could generate several terabits of communication capacity, potentially supporting millions of users across urban and remote regions.
The Indian government is reportedly willing to assist domestic companies such as Jio in securing the necessary International Telecommunication Union (ITU) filings required for orbital slots and spectrum coordination. Officials have indicated that similar support could be extended to other Indian entities interested in entering the satellite broadband market.
Jio’s announcement comes against the backdrop of heightened government scrutiny of foreign satellite communication providers. Authorities are currently examining concerns related to “signal spillage”, a phenomenon where radio signals extend beyond intended coverage zones. Security agencies have expressed concerns that such spillovers near India’s borders could create vulnerabilities related to spectrum interference, border security, or unauthorised access to communication networks.
A Group of Secretaries has reportedly been constituted to assess these risks. The review has also affected the regulatory clearance process for foreign operators, including Starlink, Eutelsat-OneWeb and SES. Reports suggest that security agencies have sought additional safeguards before granting final approvals, particularly regarding government oversight during geopolitical conflicts and the operation of satellite terminals in sensitive regions.
The satellite initiative also comes at a significant moment for Reliance Industries. Reports indicate that Jio Infocomm may soon file draft papers for a proposed $4 billion initial public offering (IPO), potentially making it one of the largest public offerings in Indian corporate history. The development is expected to draw further attention during Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani’s annual address to shareholders at the company’s upcoming Annual General Meeting.
