Reliance Jio Announces JioSpaceFiber to Provide Satellite-Based Broadband in India

Revolutionizing Indian Broadband with JioSpaceFiber

Reliance Jio, India's leading telecommunications provider, has introduced a groundbreaking innovation, JioSpaceFiber, aimed at enhancing internet access across the country. Akash Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Jio Infocomm, presented this cutting-edge satellite-based broadband technology to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the seventh edition of the India Mobile Congress.

Satellite Broadband Race in India

The introduction of JioSpaceFiber intensifies the competition in the satellite broadband arena in India. Reliance Jio is set to go head-to-head with Bharti-backed satcom operator OneWeb, each vying to provide unparalleled satellite broadband services to Indian consumers.

Partnership for Satellite Connectivity

To enable this service, Jio has strategically partnered with a Luxembourg-based satellite telecommunications network provider renowned for delivering video and data connectivity worldwide.

Extending Mobile Backhaul and True5G

JioSpaceFiber's significance goes beyond residential broadband. The satellite network will also bolster mobile backhaul, further enhancing the reach and capabilities of Jio's True5G network. This expansion aims to provide highly affordable broadband access to even the most remote areas of India.

Unique Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) Technology

In this endeavor, Jio has collaborated with SES, a global player in medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite technology. SES's O3b and new O3b mPOWER satellites empower Jio to offer unparalleled Gigabit, fiber-like services from space, setting a new industry standard.

Connecting Remote Locations

As a testament to the technology's capabilities, Jio has already connected four of India's remotest locations with JioSpaceFiber. These include Gir in Gujarat, Korba in Chattisgarh, Nabrangpur in Odisha, and an installation of the national oil company ONGC in Jorhat, Assam.

JioSpaceFiber's Transformative Impact

Akash Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Jio Infocomm, emphasizes that JioSpaceFiber expands the horizons of broadband access in India, benefiting millions who are yet to experience high-speed internet. With JioSpaceFiber, Jio aims to empower every citizen to participate fully in the new digital society, providing gigabit access to government services, education, health, and entertainment.

SES's Vision of Digital Transformation

John-Paul Hemingway, Chief Strategy Officer at SES, anticipates significant digital transformation even in the most rural parts of India due to the deployment of fiber-like services from space.

Regulatory Approvals and Licensing

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has already granted Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite Services (GMPCS) licenses to OneWeb and Reliance Jio's satellite arm, Jio Space Limited, allowing them to offer satellite-based broadband services in India. Furthermore, applications from tech giants like Elon Musk's Starlink and Amazon's Project Kuiper are in the final stages of consideration.

Latest facts:

• The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has already granted Oneweb and Reliance Jio's satellite arm Jio Space Limited the Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite Services (GMPCS) licence needed to offer satellite-based broadband services in India.

• An application from Starlink, the satellite internet constellation operated by US tech billionaire Elon Musk's SpaceX, is in the final stages of being considered. Amazon's Project Kuiper is also set to submit its application soon.

• The launch of JioSpaceFiber is expected to intensify the competition in the Indian satellite broadband market. This is likely to lead to lower prices and better services for consumers.

• JioSpaceFiber is also expected to boost the Indian economy by creating new jobs and promoting digital transformation in rural and remote areas.

Conclusion:

Reliance Jio's JioSpaceFiber is poised to reshape India's internet landscape, bridging the digital divide and enabling access to high-speed broadband services even in the country's remotest corners. As the satellite broadband market heats up, India is on the brink of a new era in connectivity.