Reliance Jio has showcased a proposed network of around 1,600 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites at India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026 in New Delhi. The network will use 23 ground stations to provide connectivity to areas where mobile towers and fibre networks are difficult to deploy. The proposed system could position Jio as a major rival to Starlink in India’s satellite connectivity market.

Jio presented the proposal under the banner ‘Sovereign Satellite Connectivity’. The company plans to keep the entire value chain within India. This includes satellite design, engineering, integration, testing, launch, deployment and operations. The proposed network will also connect with Jio’s existing terrestrial infrastructure.

The 23 ground stations will connect the satellite network with infrastructure on the ground. Jio’s presentation claims 100 per cent coverage across land and maritime areas. It aims to reach more than 600,000 villages, along with remote islands and border outposts. The company also sees applications across enterprises, remote locations, aviation, maritime operations, government, defence and disaster response. Direct-to-device calling in rural areas also forms part of the proposal.

The satellite plan aligns with the theme of IMC 2026, ‘Scale Without Boundaries’. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 10th edition of the event in New Delhi. Jio says its satellite network can extend connectivity to areas where conventional towers and fibre infrastructure face limitations.

The proposed constellation is still at the planning stage. In July, space regulator IN-SPACe found Jio’s 1,600-satellite proposal ‘technically sound’ and comparable to global satellite systems such as Starlink. Jio has sought government support for ITU filings and coordination of orbital rights with other satellite operators. The company will also need to develop the proposed ground infrastructure before moving towards implementation.

Reports have outlined a phased development plan for the network. Jio is targeting a test flight in September 2027. It plans to deploy around 400 to 450 satellites by 2030 and complete the full constellation by 2035. Jio did not announce a launch schedule at IMC 2026.

Starlink has been seeking entry into India since 2022 and is still awaiting final regulatory clearances and spectrum allocation. Jio’s proposal is built around Indian regulatory requirements, with data and operations planned to remain within the country. The company has also proposed 4.5-5 Tbps of capacity over India. Its large customer base could give the network an advantage as it develops its satellite connectivity ambitions.