Reliance Jio has presented a proposed Sovereign Satellite Connectivity initiative at the India Mobile Congress 2026 in New Delhi. The plan envisages a constellation of approximately 1,600 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, supported by 23 ground stations across India.
Reliance Jio Proposes 1600 Satellite Constellation For Connectivity
Reliance Jio has presented a proposed Sovereign Satellite Connectivity initiative at the India Mobile Congress 2026 in New Delhi. The plan envisages a constellation of approximately 1,600 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, supported by 23 ground stations across India.
The proposed network is intended to complement Jio’s existing mobile and fibre infrastructure rather than replace terrestrial telecommunications networks.
Expanding Connectivity to Remote Areas
Satellite connectivity can help reach locations where installing conventional telecom infrastructure is difficult, costly or impractical. Jio’s proposed system is intended to improve communications in remote villages, islands, border outposts and maritime areas.
The company has outlined a long-term ambition to connect more than 600,000 villages through a hybrid system combining satellite-based and terrestrial networks.
Potential Applications
Beyond household internet access, the proposed network could support a variety of users and sectors, including:
- Enterprises and remote industrial facilities
- Aviation and maritime operations
- Government services
- Defence communications
- Disaster response and emergency connectivity
- Communities located in poorly connected regions
Satellite networks can be particularly useful during emergencies when terrestrial communication infrastructure is damaged or unavailable.
Proposed Timeline
Reports cited in the supplied material indicate that Jio is targeting an initial test flight in 2027. Any subsequent large-scale deployment will depend on regulatory approvals, infrastructure readiness and implementation progress.
The proposal reflects the growing role of space-based communications in expanding connectivity and improving network resilience.
Key facts for exams:
- Company: Reliance Jio
- Initiative: Sovereign Satellite Connectivity
- Proposed constellation: Approximately 1,600 LEO satellites
- Planned ground stations: 23 across India
- Initial test-flight target: 2027
- Intended approach: Hybrid satellite and terrestrial connectivity
