Jio is looking beyond mobile networks and fibre connectivity on the ground with a proposed plan involving around 1,600 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites and 23 ground stations in India. The company showcased its satellite connectivity vision at the ongoing India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026 in Delhi.
The proposed initiative, named Sovereign Satellite Connectivity, aims to bring connectivity to areas where terrestrial network access is difficult, including remote villages, maritime areas and border regions.
Jio Proposes 1,600 LEO Satellites
Under its Sovereign Satellite Connectivity initiative, Jio showcased a proposed constellation of around 1,600 LEO satellites. The company’s vision is to keep control of the entire connectivity chain within India.
This includes design, engineering, integration, testing, launch, deployment and operations of the satellite network.
23 Ground Stations to Connect Satellite and Terrestrial Networks
Jio has also proposed 23 ground stations as part of the satellite connectivity plan. These stations will connect the satellite network to the Indian mainland.
The company also plans to seamlessly integrate the proposed satellite network with its existing terrestrial network, combining connectivity from the ground and space.
Jio Targets More Than 6 Lakh Villages
Jio’s display at IMC 2026 highlighted a vision for 100% territorial and maritime coverage, with connectivity reaching more than 6 lakh villages.
Remote villages, island territories and border outposts are among the key focus areas. The proposed satellite network could also support applications across enterprise, remote sites, aviation, maritime, government, defence and disaster response.
Direct-to-Device Calling for Rural Areas
The satellite connectivity vision also includes direct-to-device calling for rural areas. This could form part of Jio’s broader approach to extending connectivity to locations where terrestrial network access is difficult.
Jio’s Satellite Plan Aligns With IMC 2026 Theme
The theme of this year’s India Mobile Congress is ‘Scale Without Boundaries’, reflecting the vision of taking technology and connectivity beyond traditional boundaries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 10th edition of India Mobile Congress on Thursday. Jio’s satellite connectivity plan reflects this theme by looking beyond traditional infrastructure such as towers and fibre and exploring connectivity through space.
Jio Moves Towards the Next Frontier of Connectivity
The proposed 1,600 satellites and 23 ground stations are currently part of Jio’s planned satellite connectivity vision. The company’s direction, however, is focused on integrating ground and space networks to expand connectivity across India.
With its Sovereign Satellite Connectivity initiative, Jio is showcasing a vision aimed at extending network access to villages, maritime areas, border outposts and other locations where terrestrial connectivity can be difficult.
Also read – Project Tapestry Gains Momentum for Sovereign AI With India and Vietnam Collaborations
Join us on LinkedIn for quick updates – FYI9 News LinkedIn
