Reliance Industries Eyes Multi-Billion-Dollar Push Into Satellite Broadband Arena

• Reliance Industries is exploring a multi-billion-dollar entry into the LEO satellite broadband market.

• The move would position Jio Platforms against Starlink and Amazon Kuiper.

• Six dedicated teams are advancing satellite, launch, and terminal development.

• The plan aligns with India’s push for digital sovereignty and secure communications.

• Launch could occur within two to four years, organically or via acquisition.

  
  

Reliance Industries Ltd. (RIL) is weighing a substantial foray into the satellite communications market, with plans that could involve investments running into billions of dollars. If the initiative moves ahead, the Mukesh Ambani-led conglomerate would enter into direct competition with global heavyweights such as Elon Musk’s Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper, according to people familiar with the matter.

Sources indicate that Reliance aims to establish a commanding presence in the low earth orbit (LEO) satellite segment, widely regarded as the most promising area of the fast-growing satcom industry. The proposed venture would be housed under Jio Platforms Ltd. (JPL), which oversees the group’s telecommunications and digital operations.

To accelerate groundwork, the company has reportedly assembled six specialized teams tasked with handling distinct elements of the project, including satellite manufacturing, launch coordination, payload systems, and user terminal development. The coordinated effort reflects the scale and ambition of the undertaking.

Strategic Timing Amid Global Satellite Race

Reliance’s interest in satellite broadband aligns with the Indian government’s push to strengthen the country’s footprint in space-based communications. Policymakers have emphasized the strategic importance of developing indigenous capabilities in LEO networks, particularly given the growing role of satellite connectivity in national security and modern conflict scenarios.

Globally, competition in LEO constellations is intensifying. China has reportedly submitted filings with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to deploy as many as 200,000 satellites across various LEO networks. Several other nations are also ramping up investments in this domain to protect strategic and commercial interests.

According to a second source, Reliance has been operating with urgency in recent months, holding discussions with satellite technology providers that could assist in building out a constellation. Parallel conversations have begun with India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to facilitate filings for orbital slots at the ITU, the body responsible for allocating satellite positions and radio spectrum.

Leadership Driving the Initiative

Mukesh Ambani is said to be personally overseeing the satellite initiative, underscoring its strategic significance within the group. Senior executives are also deeply involved in shaping the roadmap, including RIL president P.K. Bhatnagar, Jio Platforms chief executive Mathew Oommen, and senior vice president Aayush Bhatnagar. The company has not publicly commented on the developments.

Industry insiders suggest that Reliance is keeping its options open as it evaluates how best to establish a foothold. Besides building infrastructure from scratch, the group is reportedly considering acquisitions of satellite operators that already possess orbital filings and operational assets. Such a move could help Jio accelerate its entry into a market where Starlink currently holds a strong lead, with Amazon’s Kuiper preparing to expand its presence.

Other international competitors in the non-geostationary satellite arena include Eutelsat OneWeb, AST SpaceMobile, and Sateliot. Notably, Bharti Group — led by Sunil Mittal — is the second-largest shareholder in Eutelsat, which has majority ownership from the French government. Reliance Jio, for its part, already maintains a partnership with medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite provider SES.

Long-Term Vision, Timelines Under Review

While discussions remain at an exploratory stage, clarity on investment size and launch timelines is expected to emerge over the coming months. One source indicated that the company may aim to have LEO satellites operational within two to four years, whether through internal development or acquisition.

The broader ecosystem is also preparing for such ambitions. In January, the government and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) reportedly examined the viability of developing a domestic non-geostationary orbit satellite constellation.

For India, establishing its own satellite network could bolster digital independence, enhance data security, and reduce reliance on foreign infrastructure. It would also strengthen critical communications systems and surveillance capabilities.

If Reliance proceeds with a full-scale launch into the satellite broadband market, the move could significantly reshape the competitive landscape—both in India and globally—marking a new chapter in the conglomerate’s expanding digital ambitions.