India’s space regulator IN-SPACe has found Reliance Jio’s proposal to deploy a constellation of about 1,600 Low Earth Orbit satellites technically sound, paving the way for the country’s first homegrown satellite broadband network. The technical evaluation, conducted jointly with ISRO and the Department of Telecommunications, rated Jio’s plan on par with global systems such as Starlink. The project, with a proposed capacity of 4.5 to 5 terabits per second, marks India’s most ambitious foray into the space-based internet segment.
What Is IN-SPACe’s Technical Approval?
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) is a single-window autonomous agency under the Department of Space (DOS). It was established on 24 June 2020 as part of the government’s space sector reforms to enable private sector participation in space activities. Headquartered in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, IN-SPACe is chaired by Dr. Pawan Kumar Goenka and functions as the regulatory interface between ISRO and Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs).
The technical evaluation of Jio’s proposal was carried out jointly by IN-SPACe, ISRO, and the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) wing of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). The assessment concluded that Jio’s proposed constellation architecture is technically sound and comparable to leading global LEO systems such as Starlink.
This technical approval is a critical prerequisite. It allows the Indian government to extend regulatory support to Jio for securing international orbital slots and spectrum rights through the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Without this clearance, the company could not proceed with ITU filings or global coordination with other satellite operators.
Jio’s LEO Constellation: Key Specifications
Jio’s proposed constellation is designed to be India’s largest satellite-based communication network. The company plans to deploy approximately 1,600 satellites in Low Earth Orbit at an altitude of around 650 kilometres. The system is expected to deliver a total throughput of 4.5 to 5 terabits per second (Tbps) over Indian territory, the highest capacity ever proposed for the Indian market by any operator.
To support the constellation, Jio plans to set up 20 to 22 ground stations across India. These gateway stations will handle data routing between the satellites and terrestrial networks. The company also aims to offer a dual set of services: Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) including broadband internet and cellular backhaul for remote telecom towers, and Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) such as direct-to-device connectivity that allows standard smartphones to connect directly to satellites in areas without mobile coverage.
Jio has already secured a Global Mobile Personal Communications by Satellite (GMPCS) licence from the DoT and holds IN-SPACe authorisations through its joint venture with Luxembourg-based SES, called Orbit Connect India (formerly Jio Space Technology Ltd). The company is pursuing a dual strategy: leasing satellite capacity from global constellation providers for near-term services while simultaneously developing its own indigenous satellite network for long-term sovereign capability.
How It Compares with Global Players
| Parameter | Reliance Jio | Starlink (SpaceX) | Amazon Kuiper | OneWeb (Eutelsat) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Satellites planned | ~1,600 LEO | more than 10,000 planned | ~3,236 planned | 648 (Gen1) |
| Capacity over India | 4.5-5 Tbps | 600 Gbps (approved) | ~3 Tbps (proposed) | Regional multi-Gbps |
| Status in India | Technical nod from IN-SPACe | Licensed with 600 Gbps cap | Not yet authorised | Operating via approvals |
| Ground stations (India) | 20-22 planned | Limited presence | Not disclosed | Existing gateways |
| Key advantage | Vertically integrated with Jio’s terrestrial 5G/6G network | Largest deployed constellation globally | AWS cloud integration | Enterprise backhaul focus |
Why a Sovereign LEO Constellation Matters
The significance of Jio’s project goes beyond commercial broadband. A homegrown LEO constellation addresses multiple strategic priorities for India.
National security and defence: IN-SPACe has highlighted the proposal’s potential to meet defence requirements and reduce dependence on foreign satellite operators. Preliminary discussions have already taken place at senior government levels on hosting defence payloads on some of the planned LEO satellites. In an era where geopolitical conflicts can disrupt access to foreign-owned satellite networks, a sovereign constellation gives India control over its critical communication infrastructure.
Connecting the unconnected: Despite Jio’s extensive terrestrial network, large parts of India remain without reliable internet access. Remote villages, island communities, border outposts, and mountainous regions are difficult to reach with fibre or mobile towers. Satellite broadband can bridge this digital divide. Akash Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Jio Infocomm, had earlier noted that satellite connectivity will be the bridge to connect the remotest parts of India.
Digital sovereignty: The global LEO broadband market is currently dominated by foreign players, with SpaceX’s Starlink operating over 10,000 satellites and Amazon’s Kuiper and Eutelsat OneWeb also in the race. Over-reliance on these systems for India’s communication needs raises concerns about data security, service continuity, and strategic autonomy. Jio’s constellation, built and operated from India, ensures that Indian data remains within Indian regulatory control.
Alignment with space sector reforms: The project is a direct outcome of the Indian Space Policy 2023, which opened up the space sector to private players. IN-SPACe was created in June 2020 specifically to enable and authorise such private participation. Jio’s proposal is the most ambitious test case of these reforms, potentially paving the way for more Indian enterprises to enter the space economy.
The Global LEO Broadband Race
The Low Earth Orbit satellite broadband market has become one of the most competitive segments in global telecommunications. LEO satellites orbit at altitudes between 500 and 1,200 kilometres, much closer to Earth than traditional geostationary satellites at 36,000 kilometres. This proximity reduces latency to 20-40 milliseconds, making LEO broadband comparable to terrestrial fibre connections.
SpaceX’s Starlink is the dominant player with over 10,000 satellites already in orbit and a rapidly growing subscriber base worldwide. In India, Starlink has secured a GMPCS licence and a capacity approval of 600 Gbps, but is yet to receive security clearances for commercial operations.
Amazon’s Project Kuiper (now Amazon Leo) plans a constellation of about 3,200 satellites and has proposed a capacity of 3 Tbps over India. However, the company has not yet received authorisation from IN-SPACe.
Eutelsat OneWeb, backed by the Bharti Group (Sunil Mittal led), already has 648 first-generation satellites in orbit and has received IN-SPACe authorisation. The Bharti Group is the second-largest stakeholder in Eutelsat after the French government. OneWeb is currently the only operational LEO broadband operator with Indian regulatory clearances.
Jio’s entry adds a new dimension to this competitive landscape. Its proposed capacity of 4.5 to 5 Tbps over India is significantly higher than what any competitor has proposed or been approved for in the Indian market. Moreover, Jio’s unique advantage lies in its ability to integrate satellite connectivity with its existing terrestrial 5G and future 6G networks, creating a seamless user experience across both domains.
The Road Ahead: From Approval to Deployment
The technical approval from IN-SPACe is an important milestone but several steps remain before the constellation becomes operational.
ITU filings and orbital rights: The next major step is filing with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations specialised agency for information and communication technologies headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The ITU manages the global coordination of radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbital slots. Jio will need to file for orbital parameters and frequency assignments through the Indian government. Under ITU rules, satellite systems must be brought into use within seven years of filing, with milestone-based deployment targets: 10% within two years, 50% within five years, and full deployment within seven years.
Spectrum allocation: India is yet to finalise the mechanism for allocating satellite spectrum. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has been examining whether satellite spectrum should be allocated administratively or through auctions. Jio has advocated for administrative allocation, consistent with global practices where satellite spectrum is coordinated internationally rather than auctioned.
Investment and execution: Industry estimates suggest that building and deploying a constellation of this scale could cost between $10 billion and $15 billion. LEO satellites typically have a lifespan of five to seven years, requiring continuous replenishment. Jio’s strong balance sheet and access to capital markets, including its upcoming IPO, provide the financial backbone for this ambitious project.
Regulatory approvals: Apart from ITU coordination, Jio will need security clearances from the home ministry, additional approvals from IN-SPACe for specific launches, and clearances from the Department of Space for the use of Indian launch infrastructure. The company’s existing GMPCS licence covers one part of the regulatory framework but additional authorisations will be required for the constellation.
Space debris and sustainability: With thousands of satellites already in orbit and tens of thousands more planned globally, space congestion is a growing concern. Jio’s constellation will need to comply with international guidelines on debris mitigation, end-of-life deorbiting, and collision avoidance to ensure sustainable use of outer space.
Key Takeaways
- IN-SPACe, established on 24 June 2020 and headquartered in Ahmedabad, granted technical approval for Jio’s 1,600-satellite LEO constellation, finding it technically sound and on par with global systems like Starlink.
- Jio plans to deliver 4.5 to 5 Tbps of capacity over India through the constellation, the highest planned capacity for the Indian market, supported by 20 to 22 ground stations.
- The project is India’s first homegrown Non-Geostationary (NGSO) LEO constellation, with strategic significance for national security, including potential hosting of defence payloads.
- Jio will now seek ITU filings for orbital slots, with deployment required within seven years under ITU milestone-based rules (10% in two years, 50% in five years).
- Jio already holds a GMPCS licence from DoT and has an existing satcom joint venture, Orbit Connect India, with Luxembourg-based SES.
- The estimated cost of building and deploying the constellation is between $10 billion and $15 billion.
