- Jio‘s proposed satellite network could extend connectivity to difficult-to-reach areas beyond terrestrial coverage.
- The vision includes about 1,600 LEO satellites and 23 planned ground stations across India.
- More than 600,000 villages are part of the proposal, alongside maritime and border connectivity.
Reliance Jio has outlined a proposed Jio satellite network at India Mobile Congress 2026, with the project aimed at extending connectivity beyond locations where conventional terrestrial infrastructure is difficult to deploy. The vision covers remote villages, maritime areas and border regions.
The proposal centres on a sovereign low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation that could work alongside Jio’s existing terrestrial network. It is an infrastructure plan rather than a confirmed commercial service, so the satellite programme should not be treated as launched or as already providing nationwide coverage.
Jio Satellite Network: 5 Important Details
Jio’s proposal includes roughly 1,600 LEO satellites and 23 planned ground stations in India. The combination is intended to connect space-based infrastructure with terrestrial systems and support a broader connectivity layer.
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| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Satellite network | About 1,600 low Earth orbit satellites |
| Ground infrastructure | 23 planned ground stations |
| Target areas | More than 600,000 villages, maritime areas and border regions |
| Network role | Proposed satellite layer to complement terrestrial connectivity |
| Direct-to-device | Calling is part of the broader proposed connectivity vision |
How Jio’s Satellite Connectivity Could Work
The main idea is to use satellite links where building towers, fibre or other ground infrastructure can be challenging. The proposed network would complement Jio’s terrestrial services rather than simply replace them, allowing different connectivity methods to work together depending on the location.
Jio has previously discussed several India-built technologies at IMC 2026. Its wider showcase is covered in our Jio IMC 2026 technology report, while this article focuses specifically on the satellite proposal.
Focus on More Than 600,000 Villages
The proposed Jio satellite network is intended to reach more than 600,000 villages, in addition to maritime and border areas. The scale shows that Jio is looking at satellite connectivity as a wider infrastructure layer rather than only as a separate broadband product.
The proposal also fits Jio’s broader focus on building telecom technology in India. If developed as outlined, the satellite system could add space-based infrastructure to the company’s existing network and help address locations where terrestrial expansion is more difficult.
Direct-to-Device Calling Is Part of the Vision
Direct-to-device, or D2D, connectivity is another part of the proposal. The concept could allow compatible devices to communicate through satellite links when normal terrestrial coverage is unavailable. Calling is included in this broader vision, particularly for areas where continuous tower coverage may be difficult.
Jio has not confirmed a commercial launch date, consumer pricing, supported device list, specific bands or network speeds for the proposed service. Those details should therefore not be presented as confirmed specifications.
Jio Satellite Network Is Still a Proposal
The satellite initiative should currently be understood as a proposed development and infrastructure programme. The information reviewed does not establish that the constellation has launched commercially or that the targeted villages already have satellite coverage from this project.
The roughly 1,600 satellites and 23 ground stations indicate the scale of the plan, but they are proposed infrastructure rather than completed network assets. Any future rollout would depend on development, deployment and the required approvals.
Conclusion
Jio’s satellite roadmap describes a large connectivity project built around LEO satellites, ground stations and integration with its terrestrial network. The proposal targets more than 600,000 villages as well as maritime and border areas, with D2D calling included in the broader vision.
For now, the Jio satellite network remains a proposed initiative. Launch timing, pricing, supported devices, bands and speeds have not been confirmed, so the project should not be described as an operational nationwide service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Jio satellite network?
The Jio satellite network is a proposed LEO connectivity system designed to complement Jio’s terrestrial network and reach difficult locations.
How many satellites are proposed for Jio’s network?
Jio’s proposal includes about 1,600 low Earth orbit satellites.
How many ground stations are planned?
The proposal includes 23 planned ground stations in India.
How many villages could the proposal cover?
The vision includes more than 600,000 villages, along with maritime and border areas.
Has Jio launched the satellite network?
No commercial launch or nationwide satellite coverage has been confirmed for the proposed network in the information reviewed for this report.
