Important information has emerged regarding the Reliance Jio satellite internet service. The company's Chairman, Akash Ambani, stated that Jio is actively working on its satellite service but declined to name a precise date for the launch of the first service in India.
These statements were made by Akash Ambani during a special interview with India Today as part of the India Mobile Congress 2026. When asked about Elon Musk's recent statement and ongoing discussions about Starlink in India, he chose not to comment on it.
He emphasized that the company is currently focused exclusively on its work and aims to provide quality service to Indian customers.
How satellite technology will help bring broadband access to homes
Akash Ambani noted that satellite technology can play a crucial role in the future expansion of broadband internet access for a larger number of people. This is particularly relevant for households that have not yet received conventional broadband internet.
According to him, the most significant application of satellites may be found in home broadband access. This will simplify the delivery of the internet to areas where laying fiber optics or other types of networks is difficult.
Ambani added that Jio is already working to provide broadband access to as many homes as possible in the country, and satellite communication can significantly accelerate this process.
Jio's focus on indigenous technologies
Akash Ambani also reported that Jio is making significant progress in developing end-to-end indigenous technologies for its satellite service. The company aims for its satellite technologies to meet or exceed global standards.
Previously, Jio demonstrated a similar focus on its second technology, and now the company is preparing to bring this same level of technology into the satellite internet sector.
What is the situation with Starlink?
In India, besides Jio, Starlink from Elon Musk's company is also featured in the discussion about satellite internet. Starlink is preparing infrastructure to deliver internet to rural and sparsely populated areas where access to conventional broadband internet is limited.
Starlink has received a license to provide services in India. Furthermore, licenses have also been issued to OneWeb from Jio and Airtel. Nevertheless, questions remain regarding security and spectrum allocation before commercial operations can begin.
Elon Musk claimed that some 'oligarchs' are trying to hinder Starlink's entry into India. The government rejected this claim, stating that the allocation of satellite spectrum will be carried out transparently and impartially.
When will Jio's satellite service start?
The main question remains unanswered: when exactly will Jio's satellite internet service begin? Akash Ambani did not provide an answer to this question. He clearly stated that he does not wish to name a specific launch date. Thus, although work on Jio's satellite service is progressing rapidly, customers may have to wait some more time.