The central government has given the green light to Jio Satellite Service, a joint venture with Luxembourg-based SES that provides gigabyte fiber internet service. This approval paves the way for offering high-speed internet service directly via satellite in India.
Elon Musk’s Starlink service is currently a well-known name in satellite internet, but Jio’s approval could challenge Starlink’s plans for India. Last year, the government had also approved Eutelsat’s OneWeb, backed by Bharti Enterprises.
What is Jio Satellite Service?
Jio Satellite Service is a satellite-based internet service showcased in April at the Mobile India Congress in Delhi. Unlike traditional internet services that rely on wires or towers, Jio Spacefiber technology is straightforward.
It involves a receiver that can be installed in homes, offices, or even cars to use the internet directly from the satellite. These receivers come in various sizes, suitable for both personal and commercial use.
Locations Where the Service is Live: The service has been activated in:
- Gir National Park, Gujarat
- Korba, Chhattisgarh
- Nabrangpur, Odisha
- ONGC-Jorhat, Assam
Following government approval, the service can be rolled out to general users and corporate entities.
Speed of the Service: According to the company’s claims, the satellite-based internet service can offer speeds of up to 1 Gbps. However, connecting multiple devices to a single connection might reduce the overall speed.
Key Takeaways:
- Approval and Competition: Jio Satellite Service was approved, challenging Starlink in India.
- Service Features: High-speed internet directly from satellites without wires or towers.
- Current Live Locations: The service is already live in select locations.
- Speed: Potential speeds up to 1 Gbps, with variations based on the number of connected devices.
Important Information About JioSpace Fibre:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Approval | Indian Government |
| Service Type | Satellite-based Internet |
| Technology | Jio Spacefiber |
| Receiver Locations | Homes, Offices, Cars |
| Live Locations | Gujarat (Gir National Park), Chhattisgarh (Korba), Odisha (Nabrangpur), Assam (ONGC-Jorhat) |
| Speed | Up to 1 Gbps |
| Competitors | Starlink, OneWeb |