New Delhi: Reliance led by Mukesh Ambani is all set for a much larger stake in India’s satellite communication business. Reliance Jio has already consented to SpaceX to launch Starlink satellite internet services in India, but the company is also developing its own big plan network. This indicates that the Starlink collaboration might only form part of Reliance’s broader approach.
India is mulling regulations that will give more space to the local satellite communication firms. Conflicting with India’s satellite network, foreign satellite operators like Starlink and Eutelsat OneWeb would have to explain with the Indian networks about the spectrum requirement, and other issues. The concept is in the interest of national interests and decrease the reliance on foreign satellite systems.
This may be a crucial aspect for Reliance Jio. Reliance Jio’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite plan to create 1,600 satellites, which includes cooperation with ISRO and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has been deemed technically feasible by the space regulator IN-SPACe in July 2026. The proposed network would also offer broadband and direct-to-device connectivity, enabling satellite networks to reach both users who are not in the scope of traditional telecom and services for individual devices.
This is the part that is why it makes for an interesting ploy for Ambani. In March 2025, Jio and SpaceX revealed their collaboration. The deal would have Jio sell the Starlink products in its retail and digital stores and both firms would discuss the potential of using Starlink to improve the customer experience for Jio’s broadband customers. The deal also depended on SpaceX getting the requisite approvals to conduct business in India.
The first impression of teaming Starlink and constructing its own network seems counterintuitive. However, it may be adding some options to the equation for Reliance as well.
Satellite connectivity for India could be added by Starlink, which can bring into play an established global constellation, and SatConnect in its own planned constellation could give Reliance more control over India’s satellite capacity and satellite connectivity. It may also provide the company’s ultimate goal of establishing a more robust communications infrastructure in the country.
This view may be further bolstered by the government’s current thinking on regards to local satco. A large domestic network may turn out to be strategically important if foreign satellite operators are to work closely with the Indian satellite systems.
But in no way should it be referred to as a “secret plan” between Mukesh Ambani and Elon Musk. At this point, there are no signs that there has been a behind-the-scenes effort to create a combined satellite network among the two.
Let’s just say that Reliance is not solely focused on a “just another broadband product” for satellite internet. Jio also seems to be carving space in India’s quickly emerging space-communications industry with its plans for a 1600-satellite constellation and its ongoing partnership with SpaceX.
Maybe it’s not just Jio vs. Starlink. It might involve Reliance’s agreement with Starlink and its own satellite efforts, and the creation of a much greater communications universe.
