Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance subsidiary, Jio Platforms, has received regulatory approval to launch satellite internet services in India, joining a competitive race that includes Amazon’s Kuiper and Elon Musk’s Starlink.
Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani continues to expand his business empire. The 67-year-old has formed partnerships with several international companies to launch services across various sectors. Ambani’s Reliance is one of India’s largest companies, boasting a market capitalization of approximately Rs 2000000 crore. Now, its subsidiary Jio Platforms, led by his son Anant Ambani, has received approval from India’s space regulator to launch satellite internet services in the country, according to Reuters. Multiple global companies are competing to provide satellite-based internet to rural areas worldwide.
A joint venture (JV) between Jio Platforms and Luxembourg’s SES, named Orbit Connect India, has secured the approval. This venture aims to deliver high-speed internet via satellite. An official stated that the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) granted three approvals to Orbit Connect in April and June, enabling it to position satellites over India. However, additional approvals, including from the Department of Telecommunication, are required before operations can commence.
In addition to Reliance, Amazon’s Kuiper and Elon Musk’s Starlink are awaiting approval to launch their satellite communication services in India. Another company, Inmarsat, has already received permission to operate satellites over India, IN-SPACe chairman Pawan Goenka told Reuters. Deloitte forecasts that India’s satellite broadband service market will grow by 36 percent over the next five years, potentially reaching USD 1.9 billion by 2030.
