Reliance Industries’ Jio Platforms achieved a significant milestone in pursuing satellite internet in India. In partnership with Luxembourg-based SES, the company received approval from India’s space regulator to operate satellites. This approval is a crucial step forward in their plans to offer high-speed gigabit fiber internet nationwide.
According to Reuters, approvals were granted to Orbit Connect India, aiming to deliver high-speed internet via satellites. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) issued these authorizations in April and June.
Progress for Satellite Internet in India
Orbit Connect, backed by Reliance Industries’ Jio Platforms and SES, has received approval to operate satellites over India. However, they still need further approvals from the Department of Telecom to start services. This development comes as Amazon and Elon Musk’s Starlink await permission to launch their satellite services in India. IN-SPACe has also approved Inmarsat for satellite operations in India. IN-SPACe plans to authorize private companies to operate ground stations soon, which will help satellite operators download data over India.
In India, the affordable communication service prices will push global companies to innovate and lower their prices. This is similar to what has happened in industries like automotive, where international manufacturers had to innovate to meet the demands of Indian consumers for high performance at a low cost.
Expansion of Satellite Operations in India
Pawan Goenka, from IN-SPACe, mentioned that private companies will soon be authorized to operate ground stations. This will help satellite operators download data as they fly over India. Bharti Enterprises’ OneWeb got all the approvals late last year to provide satellite internet services.
India has been working to grow its space industry significantly in recent years. This year, the Indian government met a long-standing demand by relaxing foreign direct investment (FDI) rules for the sector. Now, certain parts of the space industry can automatically attract up to 100% FDI.
Growing Interest and Market Outlook in India’s Space Sector
Pawan Goenka stated that after easing FDI rules, investor interest in India’s space sector has surged. He mentioned that investments in private companies last year ranged from $2 million to $7 million, but this year, they are anticipated to be between $20 million and $30 million. According to a Deloitte report from last year, India’s satellite broadband service market is projected to expand by 36% annually over the next five years. By 2030, it is expected to grow to $1.9 billion.
According to the report, Elon Musk’s Starlink and Amazon.com’s Kuiper have also applied to participate in this market.
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