Overview
- Jio publicly confirmed Friday that it is evaluating a sovereign low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation and will build domestic ground stations to operate partner capacity and future satellites.
- Reports say Jio has submitted a proposal to IN-SPACe for roughly 1,600–1,650 satellites at about 650 km altitude, a plan industry sources estimate could cost $10–15 billion if pursued.
- The company described a two-track approach that will lease capacity from established global constellations for near-term service while it develops a long-term Indian-owned network.
- Key approvals and decisions remain unresolved, including formal ITU orbital filings, Indian regulatory clearances, final constellation design, financing and a launch timeline.
- Jio will house the satellite business under Jio Platforms as it prepares an IPO, a move that positions the firm against Starlink, Project Kuiper and OneWeb and aims to extend connectivity to islands, mountains and border posts.