Reliance Jio on the verge of approvals for satellite-based internet services in India

Reliance Jio, led by Mukesh Ambani, is on the verge of securing crucial landing rights and market access authorizations from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe). It has been revealed that these permissions are vital for the telecom giant to roll out its satellite-based gigabit fiber services across India.

Jio has completed all necessary submissions to IN-SPACe, with the eagerly awaited authorizations expected imminently. These permissions are essential for the deployment of global satellite bandwidth capacity within India. The IN-SPACe authorization process is intricate, involving approvals from multiple ministries and stringent security clearances.

In 2023, Jio Platforms partnered with Luxembourg-based satellite communications player SES, forming a 51:49 joint venture aimed at delivering broadband connectivity through satellites. This strategic move placed Jio in competition with established players like Eutelsat OneWeb, Elon Musk’s Starlink, Amazon, and the Tatas.

Although Jio’s satellite arm secured a GMPCS license from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the much-anticipated IN-SPACe authorizations are still pending. Eutelsat OneWeb, backed by Bharti, currently holds the distinction of being the only global satellite constellation operator to receive essential approvals from IN-SPACe.

Both Eutelsat OneWeb and the Jio-SES alliance are racing for an early advantage in India’s growing satcoms market, contending against formidable competitors like Starlink, Amazon, and Tatas. Mathew Oommen, Jio’s president, recently emphasized the capability of Jio’s satellite services unit to launch JioSpaceFiber services within weeks of spectrum allocation.

With the new Telecommunications Act of 2023 supporting the administrative allocation of satellite spectrum, insiders anticipate an expedited process through DoT. IN-SPACe’s recent estimation forecasts India’s space economy to potentially reach $44 billion by 2033, marking a significant increase from its current 2% global share to an anticipated 8%.

Satellite-based internet operates by deploying a constellation of small satellites orbiting the Earth to provide global coverage, reaching remote areas with limited traditional internet infrastructure. Notably, Starlink uses Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites for reduced latency in data transmission compared to geostationary satellites. The technology promises high-speed internet and ease of installation through a satellite dish and modem but may face challenges such as latency, weather interference, and potential service interruptions during satellite transitions.