Jio Unveils LEO Satellite Plan to Link Remote Indian Villages and Coastal Areas
At India Mobile Congress 2026, Reliance Jio outlined a satellite connectivity plan involving roughly 1,600 low Earth orbit satellites and 23 ground stations. The operator intends to combine space-based links with its existing terrestrial network to reach more than 600,000 villages, including maritime and border regions. Jio says it wants the satellite value chain, from design to operations, to remain within India.
At India Mobile Congress 2026, Reliance Jio presented a space-based connectivity concept branded around sovereign capability. It centers on about 1,600 low Earth orbit satellites and 23 Indian ground stations, intended to work alongside Jio's existing terrestrial network.
The stated reach target exceeds 600,000 villages, with islands, border outposts, maritime zones, aviation, defence, disaster response, and direct-to-device rural calling cited as possible uses. Jio also says it wants design, engineering, testing, launch, and operations kept inside India.
Rural, coastal, and border communities may gain connectivity where towers or fibre are hard to build, potentially improving access to services, emergency communications, and economic participation. Maritime workers and defence or disaster responders could benefit from combined satellite-terrestrial coverage. Yet benefits depend on affordability, device compatibility, regulatory approvals, and actual service quality. If deployed as described, it may narrow digital divides, but timelines and execution remain uncertain.