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Jio Platforms Eyes Low-Orbit Satellite Rollout as Starlink Awaits India Launch

On Friday, Jio Platforms announced plans to develop a Low Earth Orbit satellite constellation for India. Managing Director Akash Ambani said, "Jio connected India on the ground. Now we must connect India from the skies."
LEO satellites orbit between 160 km and 2,000 km above Earth, providing faster speeds and lower delays than traditional satellites. Ambani said the company is partnering with global "constellation providers" to lease capacity while building ground stations for "long-term sovereign capability."
Starlink currently leads the global satellite market with around 10,634 active satellites serving nearly 12 million customers worldwide. Amazon's Project Kuiper operates around 367 satellites, while Bharti Enterprises-backed Eutelsat OneWeb operates about 654 satellites.
Regulatory hurdles have delayed Starlink's Indian launch amid reports of security concerns. SpaceX Vice President Lauren Dreyer disputed this, stating, "Starlink remains in active and productive discussions with the Government of India."
Jio aims to bridge the digital divide for remotest villages, island communities, and border outposts where its network cannot reach. Ambani said, "For them, satellite connectivity will be the bridge to the rest of India.

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14 Articles

Bloomberg

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Ambani's Jio Weighs India Satellite Network to Rival Starlink

3 days ago·New York, United States

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CNBC

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Jio Platforms eyes low-orbit satellite rollout as Starlink awaits India launch

Jio Platforms, India's largest telecom operator and digital services company, wants to rollout statelite communication in the country where Starlink still awaits launch.

3 days ago·Englewood Cliffs, United States

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The New Indian Express

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Jio enters satellite race; unveils plan for homegrown LEO network

Jio is setting up ground stations in India to connect users with partner satellite networks and support future satellites launched by the company.

4 days ago·Chennai, India

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Live Mint

Center

IPO-bound Jio Platforms weighs satellite network to rival Starlink

The IPO-bound Jio Platforms is betting on satellite internet and artificial intelligence to drive its next phase of growth, even as Starlink preps for an India debut.

4 days ago·New Delhi, India

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Moneycontrol

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Jio eyes sovereign satellite constellation to connect India’s remotest regions

The move marks Jio's most ambitious push yet into satellite broadband as it seeks to extend connectivity to India's most remote and underserved regions

4 days ago·India

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India Today

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Reliance developing private satellite constellation, announces Akash Ambani

Akash Ambani said Reliance Jio is evaluating a sovereign LEO satellite constellation for India. The plan aligns with Jio's push to build ground infrastructure and expand connectivity to underserved areas.

4 days ago·India

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