Jio Platforms Gets Indian Space Regulator’s Nod To Launch Internet Satellite

Reliance Industries’ Jio Platforms has taken a step ahead in the satellite internet race as the company’s joint venture with Luxembourg-based SES to provide gigabit fibre internet has reportedly won approval from the Indian space regulator to operate satellites there.

As per a Reuters report, the approvals were issued to Orbit Connect India, which aims to provide satellite-based high-speed internet access. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) reportedly granted the authorisations in April and June. 

It would allow Orbit Connect to operate satellites above India. However, further approvals are still needed from the Department of telecoms to begin operations.

The development comes at a time when tech majors including Amazon and Elon Musk’s Starlink have been waiting for the go-ahead to launch their satellite communication services in India.

IN-SPACe chairman Pawan Goenka informed the news agency that Inmarsat, another company aiming to provide high-speed satellite-based internet, has also received the approval to operate satellites over India.

“Comparatively low pricing of communication services in India will compel global players to drive innovation to reduce their pricing,” Goenka was quoted as saying. 

He also informed the news agency that IN-SPACe would soon authorise private companies to operate ground stations, which would enable satellite operators to download data as they pass over India.

It is to be noted that Bharti Enterprises’ OneWeb received all the approvals late last year to offer satellite-based internet services.

Meanwhile, India has been pushing to grow the country’s space industry significantly over the last few years. The Indian government this year also fulfilled a long-standing demand of the industry by liberalising the FDI regime for the sector, which would now allow up to 100% FDI via the automatic route for certain sub-segments in the space sector.

Goenka informed the news agency that following FDI liberalisation, investors’ interest has increased significantly in India’s space sector.

“Last year investments into private companies were $2 Mn-$7 Mn. This year they are talking $20 Mn-$30 Mn,” he was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, as per a last year’s report by Deloitte, India’s satellite broadband service market is expected to grow 36% per year over the next five years to reach $1.9 Bn by 2030.