Reliance Jio Platforms' JV Gets Approval by IN-Space for Satellite Broadband Internet Service in India Ahead of Elon Musk’s Starlink, Amazon’s Kuiper and UK’s Inmarsat: Report
Reliance Jio Platforms' joint venture between Luxemburg-based SES got approval from IN-Space to launch satellite internet services in India. Other players like Elon Musk's Starlink, UK-based Inmarsat, Amazon's Project Kuiper among others eyeing on the opportunity.
Mumbai, June 13: Reliance Jio platforms have reportedly received approvals to launch satellite internet in India. An Indian space regulator provided three approvals to the joint venture between Reliance Industries' Jio Platforms and Luxemburg-based satellite communication provider 'SES'. With these approvals, the joint venture between these companies would provide gigabit fibre internet.
Reuters reported that these approvals were granted by IN-Space (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre) to Orbit Connect India. With these grants, Orbit Connect India could operate satellite above India to provide high-speed satellite internet connectivity. Despite these three approvals, Orbit Connect India would still need approvals from India's telecom department to commence the operations. Phone Number Fee, Penalty for Inactive SIM Card: TRAI Proposes Charges for Mobile and Landline Numbers, May Impose Fine If Dual SIM Users Don't Utilise One Number.
Besides the Reliance Jio Platform's JV, Elon Musk's Starlink had also been seeking approval from the government and authorities to launch its satellite internet services in India. After cancelling his trip to India, Elon Musk introduced its Starlink satellite internet services to Indonesia and got preliminary approval in Sri Lanka. Soon, Elon Musk's Starlink might be available in the country.
Other prominent players like Amazon.com's Kuiper and UK-based Inmarsat are also planning to get their approval. The report mentioned that the race for space-based internet connectivity had increased significantly. Further, it mentioned that the satellite broadband internet market in India is expected to grow 36% per year in the next five years, as per Deloitte consultancy. Further, it was predicted that by 2030. the market would be around $1.9 billion.
Mahindra & Mahindra's former MD, Pawan Kumar Goenka, shared his thoughts on the pricing of the satellite internet. He said that the low communication pricing in India would compel global companies to drive innovations to lower the pricing. Further, the report highlighted that PM Narendra Modi's third-time elected government (Modi 3.0) would push the development of India's space industry and open gates for more FDI, bringing foreign companies to the country. These companies could manufacture satellite components, systems, or sub-systems up to 100% without needing approval. Google and Apple Fined for Allegedly Violating Location Data Law in South Korea.
With such a strategy, PM Narendra Modi's government boosted investors' interest significantly, according to the report. IN-Space is expected to authorise private companies soon "to operate ground stations to enable satellite operators to download data as they pass over in India."
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 13, 2024 06:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).