After building its mobile and fibre networks on the ground, Jio is now setting its sights on space. The company is working on a proposed constellation of around 1,600 satellites and plans to establish 23 ground stations across India. The goal is to extend connectivity to areas where terrestrial networks are difficult to deploy. Jio showcased this satellite connectivity vision at the ongoing India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026 in New Delhi.
Jio has presented the initiative under the banner of ‘Sovereign Satellite Connectivity’. The display features a proposed constellation of approximately 1,600 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. The company’s vision is to keep the entire value chain within India, from design, engineering, integration and testing to launch, deployment and operations.
The 23 proposed ground stations will play a crucial role in this plan. These stations will connect the satellite network to infrastructure on the ground in India. Jio also plans to integrate satellite connectivity with its existing terrestrial network.
Jio’s display outlines a vision of 100% coverage across land and maritime areas, with connectivity reaching more than 600,000 villages. Remote villages, islands and border outposts are among the key focus areas. The company has also highlighted potential applications across enterprises, remote sites, aviation, maritime operations, government, defence and disaster response. Direct-to-device calling for rural areas is also part of the vision.
The theme of this year’s India Mobile Congress is ‘Scale Without Boundaries’. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 10th edition of IMC on Thursday. The theme reflects the ambition to take technology and connectivity beyond conventional limits. Jio’s satellite plan offers a technological example of this vision, aiming to extend network reach through space where towers and fibre face limitations.
For now, both the 1,600 satellites and 23 ground stations remain part of a proposed plan. However, the direction is clear. By bringing terrestrial and satellite networks together, Jio is preparing to push connectivity beyond its traditional boundaries.
