New Delhi: Mukesh Ambani’s telecom powerhouse, Reliance Jio, is gearing up to revolutionize India’s internet landscape by launching a satellite internet service. In a strategic alliance with Luxembourg’s SES, Jio is set to offer gigabit-speed fiber internet across India, a move that has already garnered the central government’s nod of approval.
This groundbreaking initiative promises to deliver high-speed internet ubiquitously, ensuring connectivity transcends the barriers of geography and climate. Orbit Connect India, a key player in this venture, has secured three pivotal approvals to provide satellite-based internet services. Meanwhile, global giants like Jeff Bezos’ Amazon and Elon Musk’s Starlink are in the queue, awaiting similar consent to enter the burgeoning Indian market.
The path to launch, however, includes a crucial checkpoint: the Department of Telecommunications’ authorization. Orbit Connect’s ambitions were fueled by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe), which granted permissions in April and June, enabling the operation of satellites over India. Yet, the green light from the Department of Telecommunications remains a prerequisite for operational commencement.
Inmarsat has also joined the ranks of approved entities, with IN-SPACe Chairman Pawan Goenka confirming their clearance to operate satellites in India. The race is heating up as Elon Musk’s Starlink and Amazon’s Kuiper have thrown their hats into the ring, seeking approval to serve the Indian populace with high-speed satellite internet. Notably, Eutelsat’s Bharti Enterprises-backed OneWeb has already crossed the finish line, securing all necessary approvals last year.
The satellite broadband service market in India is on the cusp of exponential growth. With a projected annual growth rate of 36%, the market is expected to soar to an estimated $1.9 billion by 2030. This surge is anticipated to be a boon for consumers, who stand to gain from the heightened competition and innovation among service providers.
On a global scale, the push to connect remote and rural areas via satellite internet is gaining momentum. Amazon’s ambitious $10 billion investment in Project Kuiper, announced back in 2019, underscores the commitment to this cause. Similarly, this year marked a significant milestone for Elon Musk’s SpaceX, as it commenced the deployment of its first operational Starlink satellites, setting the stage for a connected future.
As India prepares to embrace this new era of connectivity, the anticipation is palpable. The promise of high-speed internet, unfettered by the constraints of terrain and weather, is set to unlock a myriad of opportunities, bridging the digital divide and propelling the nation towards a brighter, more connected tomorrow.
