Reliance Industries’ Jio Platforms, a company with interests ranging from telecom to petroleum, is gearing up to launch satellite internet services in India.
Jio Platforms has partnered with Luxembourg’s SES to form a joint venture called Orbit Connect for this initiative.
Competition and Approvals
Elon Musk’s Starlink and Amazon’s Kuiper, a division of the e-commerce and technology giant, have also sought approval to offer satellite internet services in India.
Orbit Connect has received the green light from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) to operate satellites in Indian airspace.
However, they still need approval from the Telecom Department to begin their services. IN-SPACe Chairman Pawan Goenka confirmed to Reuters that Inmarsat has also been approved for providing high-speed satellite internet services.
Market Growth and Investment
The satellite broadband service market in India is projected to grow at an annual rate of 36%, reaching approximately $1.9 billion over the next five years. Amazon has announced plans to invest around $10 billion in its Kuiper project.
Regulatory Requirements
To launch satellite internet services, telecom companies must obtain security clearance and approvals from various ministries.
At the India Mobile Congress last year, Reliance Jio showcased its JioSpaceFiber service, which has connected remote areas such as Gir in Gujarat, Korba in Chhattisgarh, Nabarangpur in Odisha, and Jorhat in Assam.
Licensing Process and Spectrum Allocation
There might be a licensing process for allocating spectrum for satellite internet services, which would mean these companies wouldn’t have to bid for the spectrum, benefiting providers like Starlink.
Foreign internet service companies have advocated for spectrum licensing instead of an auction, fearing that an auction process in India could set a precedent, potentially increasing costs globally.
Reliance’s Jio Platforms and its competitors are poised to revolutionize internet accessibility in India, marking a significant step towards broader connectivity in remote and underserved regions.
