Reliance’s Jio Platforms Secures Key Clearance to Launch Satellite Internet in India

New Delhi: Reliance Industries’ joint venture with Luxembourg-based SES has received a crucial green light from the Indian space regulator to operate satellites for their joint venture, Orbit Connect India. This approval paves the way for the company to offer gigabit-speed internet access through satellite technology, specifically targeting underserved rural areas.

The approvals, granted by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) in April and June, allow Orbit Connect to begin satellite operations pending further approvals from India’s Department of Telecommunications.

Other companies such as Inmarsat, Elon Musk’s Starlink, and Amazon’s Kuiper are also pursuing satellite communication services in India. IN-SPACe Chairman Pawan Goenka mentioned that Inmarsat has received approval, while Starlink and Kuiper have pending applications. Additionally, Eutelsat’s OneWeb, backed by Bharti Enterprises, has already obtained all necessary approvals.

The satellite broadband service market in India is projected to grow significantly, reaching $1.9 billion by 2030 according to Deloitte. Globally, competition to provide internet access via satellite is intensifying, with Amazon investing $10 billion in its Kuiper project and SpaceX deploying its Starlink satellites.

PM Modi has been actively promoting India’s space industry. Recent policy changes allowing 100% foreign direct investment in satellite component manufacturing have attracted significant investor interest, with expected investments ranging from $20 million to $30 million this year, up from $2 million to $7 million last year.