Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Jio Unveils 1,600-Satellite Plan as Starlink Awaits Approval
Jio showed a plan to use satellites to help connect people across India.
The plan includes about 1,600 satellites and 23 ground stations.
The satellites would work with Jio’s existing mobile and fibre networks, not replace them.
Jio says they could help reach remote villages, islands and border areas.
The network might also help aircraft, ships, businesses and emergency responders.
Jio wants the project’s design and operations to stay within India.
The plan has not been built, and Jio did not announce a launch schedule at the event.
Reports say Jio is aiming for a test flight in 2027 and a full constellation by 2035.
Starlink is also seeking approval to begin commercial service in India.
Reliance Jio presented its proposed Sovereign Satellite Connectivity network at India Mobile Congress 2026 in New Delhi.
The plan includes about 1,600 low-Earth-orbit satellites and 23 ground stations linked to India’s terrestrial infrastructure.
Jio says the network could cover land and maritime areas, including more than 600,000 villages, and serve remote communities, islands and border outposts.
Potential uses include enterprise, aviation, maritime, government, defence and disaster response services, as well as direct-to-device calling in rural areas.
The network remains a proposal; reported targets include a September 2027 test flight and completion by 2035, while Starlink awaits remaining Indian approvals.
- Who
- Reliance Jio presented the plan; Starlink is also seeking to begin satellite internet service in India.
- What
- A proposed network of about 1,600 low-Earth-orbit satellites and 23 ground stations to extend connectivity.
- When
- At India Mobile Congress 2026; reports cite a September 2027 test-flight target and full constellation by 2035.
- Where
- The plan was showcased in New Delhi and proposes coverage across India’s land and maritime areas.
- Why
- To provide connectivity where mobile towers and fibre are difficult or costly to deploy.
Elon Musk’s allegation
Indian government’s response
Fairness of Starlink’s approval process
Elon Musk’s allegation
Elon Musk accused unnamed “oligarchs” of blocking Starlink to protect their market position and said the service could provide affordable, high-speed internet.
Indian government’s response
The Ministry of Communications said India follows a fair and non-discriminatory authorisation process, and said Starlink, Jio Satellite Communications and Eutelsat OneWeb were broadly at the same regulatory stage.
- Proposed satellite constellation
- About 1,600 low-Earth-orbit satellites
- Proposed ground stations
- 23 across India
- Coverage goal
- Land and maritime areas, including more than 600,000 villages
- Project name
- Sovereign Satellite Connectivity
- Reported test-flight target
- September 2027
- Reported deployment targets
- 400–450 satellites by 2030; full constellation by 2035
- Plan status
- The satellites and ground stations remain proposed; Jio announced no launch schedule at IMC 2026
- Starlink status
- It has received some Indian licences and authorisations but still needs to complete remaining requirements before commercial operations
