Reliance Jio is targeting a September 2027 test mission as it moves toward a 1,600-satellite LEO network for high-speed connectivity.
Reliance Jio is targeting September 2027 for the first test flight of its planned low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, marking a major step in the company’s push to build its own satellite broadband network in India.
According to a report by The Economic Times, Jio plans to send a small number of satellites into orbit during the initial test mission. The company will use the mission to evaluate the hardware, software and other technologies before beginning larger-scale deployment from early 2028.
Jio Plans 1,600-Satellite LEO Network
Jio is planning a constellation of around 1,600 LEO satellites for its satellite communications business. The company is targeting the deployment of approximately 400 to 450 satellites by 2030, with the complete constellation expected to be built by 2035.
The long-term plan would give Jio its own satellite infrastructure instead of relying entirely on satellite capacity provided by external constellation operators. The network is intended to extend high-speed connectivity to areas where conventional terrestrial broadband infrastructure is difficult or expensive to deploy.
Jio has also filed an application with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for the orbital resources required for the planned constellation. The reported roadmap follows approval from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe).
Test Flight Planned Before Mass Deployment
The September 2027 mission will be an important technology-validation stage for Jio. Rather than launching the full constellation immediately, the company plans to use a few satellites to assess how its systems perform in orbit.
The testing is expected to cover satellite hardware, software and other network technologies. Once the initial systems are validated, larger-scale deployment is expected to begin in early 2028.
Jio is reportedly planning to deploy around 90 to 100 satellites within two to three quarters after the test launch. If that schedule is achieved, satellite connectivity in India could begin becoming available in 2028.
Jio Satellites Could Deliver Up to 4.8 Tbps
The proposed Jio satellites are expected to operate at an altitude of around 650 km and could provide approximately 100-150 Gbps of throughput per satellite.
Once the network is fully deployed, the constellation could provide around 4 to 4.8 Tbps of capacity over India, according to the reported technical plans. Around 30 to 32 satellites would be positioned over India at any given time to provide coverage.
Jio is also planning around 20 to 22 ground stations in India to support the satellite network.
The company’s approach places it in an increasingly competitive satellite broadband market, where Starlink, Amazon Leo and Eutelsat OneWeb are also developing or operating satellite connectivity services.
Satellite Network Could Expand Jio’s Broadband Reach
For Jio, the satellite network is not simply another broadband technology. Its primary advantage could be the ability to reach locations where fibre deployment, mobile towers or other terrestrial infrastructure may not be commercially practical.
Satellite connectivity could therefore complement Jio’s existing mobile and fixed broadband networks, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
Jio has previously outlined plans involving fixed satellite services, broadband and cellular backhaul, while its broader satellite communications strategy could also support direct-to-device connectivity.
However, the September 2027 launch remains a planned test mission rather than the start of full commercial satellite service. The deployment schedule will depend on the outcome of testing, regulatory approvals, orbital coordination and the pace at which Jio can expand the constellation.
Jio’s Satellite Ambition Will Take Years to Complete
The planned 1,600-satellite network represents a long-term infrastructure project. With only 400-450 satellites targeted by 2030 and completion expected by 2035, Jio’s satellite ambitions will be developed in several stages rather than through a single large launch campaign.
The September 2027 test flight will therefore be an important early milestone. If the technology performs as expected, Jio could move into wider satellite deployment from 2028 and gradually build a network capable of supporting high-capacity connectivity across India.
For India’s telecom market, the project could also strengthen the country’s domestic satellite communications ecosystem and give Jio greater control over the infrastructure supporting its future satellite broadband services.
