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Jio Unveils 1,600-Satellite Plan to Expand India's Connectivity
Reliance Jio showed a plan for a large network of satellites at a technology event in New Delhi.
The satellites would help provide internet and other connections in places where it is hard to build towers or lay cables.
The plan includes about 1,600 satellites and 23 ground stations.
Jio says it wants the system to serve remote villages, islands and border areas, as well as places at sea.
It could also be used by businesses, aircraft, government services and disaster responders.
Jio wants the network to be built and run within India and connected to its existing network.
The plan is not yet built, and Jio did not announce a launch schedule at the event.
Reports say Jio is aiming for a test flight in 2027 and completion by 2035.
The proposed network could compete with Starlink in India.
At India Mobile Congress 2026 in New Delhi, Reliance Jio showcased a proposed network of about 1,600 low-Earth-orbit satellites and 23 ground stations.
Jio says the network would extend connectivity to areas where mobile towers and fibre are difficult to deploy, including remote villages, islands and border outposts.
The presentation outlines coverage across land and maritime areas, reaching more than 600,000 villages, with possible uses in sectors including aviation, defence and disaster response.
Jio says it wants the network's value chain and operations to remain in India and plans to integrate satellite service with its existing terrestrial network.
The plan remains a proposal; IN-SPACe called it technically sound, while reported targets include a 2027 test flight and a full constellation by 2035, but Jio announced no launch schedule at IMC.
- Who
- Reliance Jio presented the satellite-network plan; the article also identifies Starlink as a potential rival.
- What
- A proposed network of about 1,600 low-Earth-orbit satellites and 23 ground stations to extend connectivity.
- Where
- India Mobile Congress in New Delhi; the proposed network aims to cover land and maritime areas in India.
- When
- At India Mobile Congress 2026; the article says the event's 10th edition was inaugurated that day.
- Why
- To bring connectivity to places where mobile towers and fibre are difficult to deploy.
Key facts
- Proposed satellites
- About 1,600 low-Earth-orbit satellites
- Proposed ground stations
- 23
- Coverage target
- All land and maritime areas, including more than 600,000 villages
- Regulatory assessment
- IN-SPACe described the plan as technically sound in July
- Reported test-flight target
- September 2027
- Reported constellation targets
- 400–450 satellites by 2030; full constellation by 2035
- Status at IMC
- The satellites and ground stations remain proposals; Jio announced no launch schedule at the event
Sources
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