Jio Could Become India’s First Satellite Internet Provider: Green Light for Jio-SES Joint Venture

Reliance Jio May Become India’s First Telecom Company to Provide Satellite Internet Services

Reliance Jio is set to become India’s first telecom company to offer satellite-based internet services. The company has received approval to provide gigabit fiber internet. Reliance Industries’ Jio Platforms partnered with Luxembourg-based SES for satellite internet services. This joint venture is named ‘Orbit Connect India.’

According to a report by Reuters, the joint venture has been granted permission by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACE) to operate satellites in Indian airspace. While Orbit Connect India received three types of approvals between April and June, it will still need additional permissions from the Department of Telecommunications to commence operations.

Inmarsat Also Approved for Satellite Internet Services

Orbit Connect India received these approvals from the Indian Space Authority at a time when companies like Amazon and Elon Musk’s Starlink are competing to launch satellite internet services in India.

According to a report, IN-SPACE Chairman Pawan Goenka stated that another company, Inmarsat, has been granted approval to operate satellites and provide high-speed satellite-based internet services in India. Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s Starlink and Amazon’s Kuiper have also applied for approval.

IN-SPACE Approval Required for Services

Satellite communication (Satcom) service providers need approval from the autonomous space regulator, the Indian Space Regulatory Authority (IN-SPACE). After this, companies must wait for spectrum allocation from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).

The government is awaiting recommendations from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on how to allocate spectrum or radio frequencies for satellite services in the country. However, recommendations are unlikely until TRAI appoints a new chairman.

Starlink Provides Fast Internet to Remote Areas

Starlink aims to connect remote areas with fast internet via satellites. The company provides a kit that includes a router, power supply, cables, and a mounting tripod. For high-speed internet, the dish is placed under an open sky. Starlink’s app, available on iOS and Android, manages setup and monitoring.