- Jio Platforms and Inmarsat approved to launch satellite internet in India, enhancing rural connectivity and fostering market competition.
- Approval for Jio’s satellite internet boosts rural connectivity, fosters market competition, aligns with global trends, and signals digital infrastructure growth.
OUR TAKE
The approval for Jio Platforms to launch satellite internet services in India signifies a pivotal step towards bridging the digital gap, especially in rural areas. This move fosters competition and aligns with global trends in expanding internet access.
–Alaiya Ding, BTW reporter
Approval for Jio Platforms and Inmarsat to launch satellite internet in India marks a significant step in bridging the digital divide, fostering competition, and aligning with global trends in expanding internet access.
Receive approval for satellite internet launch
Reliance Industries’ Jio Platforms, in collaboration with Luxembourg-based SES, has received approval from the Indian space regulator IN-SPACE to launch satellite internet services in India. This joint venture is set to provide high-speed gigabit fiber internet across the country. Additionally, Inmarsat has also been granted permission to operate satellites over India. Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s Starlink and Amazon’s Kuiper are in the process of obtaining similar approvals. Eutelsat’s Bharti Enterprises-backed OneWeb had already secured all necessary approvals late last year. The increasing number of companies entering the Indian satellite broadband market highlights the sector’s growth potential. According to consultancy firm Deloitte, the satellite broadband service market in India is expected to expand at a rate of 36% per year over the next five years, reaching an estimated value of $1.9 billion by 2030. This approval marks a significant step forward for Jio Platforms and the satellite broadband industry in India.
Why it’s important
The approval for Jio Platforms to launch satellite internet services in India is a significant development for several reasons. Firstly, it marks a crucial step in bridging the digital divide in India, particularly in rural and remote areas where traditional internet infrastructure is lacking. Satellite internet can provide high-speed connectivity to these underserved regions, enhancing access to information, education, and economic opportunities. Secondly, this move intensifies competition in the Indian satellite broadband market, which is expected to grow substantially in the coming years. With multiple players like Inmarsat, Starlink, Kuiper, and OneWeb entering the market, consumers are likely to benefit from improved services and potentially lower prices due to increased competition.
