In a significant advancement for India's digital landscape, the joint venture between Reliance Industries' Jio Platforms and Luxembourg-based SES has achieved a milestone by securing approval from the Indian space regulator to operate satellites. This collaboration aims to deliver high-speed satellite-based internet access across India. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) granted three crucial authorisations in April and June, marking a substantial step forward. However, further approval from India's Department of Telecommunications is still required before operations can commence.
The approval arrives amidst a competitive backdrop where global giants like Amazon and Elon Musk's Starlink are also seeking permission to launch their satellite communication services in India. Inmarsat has similarly received approvals, and Eutelsat-backed OneWeb, supported by Bharti Enterprises, secured all necessary approvals last year. The satellite broadband market in India is poised for substantial growth, with a projected annual increase of 36% over the next five years, potentially reaching $1.9 billion by 2030. This underscores the strategic importance of India's rapidly evolving satellite internet sector.
Jio SpaceFibre is set to bridge the digital divide in India by providing high-speed internet to regions where fiber connectivity or 5G signals are unavailable. This initiative marks Jio’s entry into the satellite internet domain, targeting both enterprise and retail clients across the country.Jio Platforms, in collaboration with SES, has received approval from IN-SPACe to operate satellites. This regulatory approval is a crucial milestone, yet full-scale operations are contingent on further authorization from the Department of Telecommunications.
Traditional internet services rely on cable or fiber networks, which are limited to specific areas. Satellite internet, conversely, can provide connectivity in remote locations, such as on flights or boats. Users need to install a satellite dish near their premises to receive data from orbiting satellites, enabling high-speed internet access even in isolated regions.
What does Jio SpaceFibre offer?
JioSpaceFiber promises speeds of up to 100 Mbps, comparable to 4G. This speed allows users to stream 4K content on multiple devices, engage in online gaming, download large files quickly, and manage several smart devices simultaneously.
Satellite Technology
JioSpaceFiber utilizes medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites, positioned between 2,000 and 12,000 kilometers above Earth. While this technology results in higher latency compared to fiber and low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites used by competitors like Starlink, it remains a viable solution for areas lacking traditional connectivity.
Rollout in India
Jio has already begun deploying JioSpaceFiber in selected regions, including Gir in Gujarat, Korba in Chhattisgarh, Nabarangpur in Odisha, and ONGC in Jorhat, Assam. This initial rollout is a step towards nationwide satellite internet coverage.
Competitive Landscape
Jio SpaceFibre will face competition from Airtel's OneWeb, as well as global players like Elon Musk’s Starlink, Amazon’s Kuiper, and UK-based Inmarsat, all vying to establish satellite communication services in India.
Cost Considerations
In Western countries, satellite internet services are expensive. For example, Starlink’s plans start at $120 per month, with equipment costs of $599. In India, Starlink plans to offer the service at ₹7,425 per month, with equipment priced at ₹37,400. These costs are significantly higher than traditional broadband services like JioFiber and Airtel Xstream, which charge around ₹899 per month for similar speeds.
Both Jio and Airtel are committed to providing affordable satellite broadband services. While exact pricing for JioSpaceFiber has not been disclosed, industry expectations suggest it will be competitive, especially for community-based usage in rural areas.
The Future of Satellite Internet in India
The potential for satellite internet in India is vast. According to Deloitte, the country’s satellite broadband market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 36%, reaching $1.9 billion by 2030. However, global service providers will need to innovate and offer competitive pricing to succeed in India’s price-sensitive market.
Source Link , while Jio and other players await the Department of Telecommunications' allocation of satellite spectrum, the stage is set for a transformative shift in India’s internet landscape, bringing high-speed connectivity to every corner of the nation. This move not only promises to bridge the digital divide but also positions India as a significant player in the global satellite internet industry.
