The Indian government has approved Jio Satellite Service, a joint venture with Luxembourg-based SES, which offers gigabyte fiber internet service. This approval paves the way for high-speed internet service directly via satellite in India.
While Elon Musk’s Starlink has been the frontrunner in satellite internet services, Jio’s approval might challenge Starlink’s plans for India. Last year, the government also approved Bharti Enterprises-backed OneWeb by Eutelsat.
What is Jio Satellite Service?
Jio Satellite Service is a satellite-based internet service showcased at the Mobile India Congress in Delhi this April. Unlike traditional internet services that rely on wires or towers, Jio SpaceFiber Technology is simple and involves a receiver that can be installed at homes, offices, or even cars to access the internet directly from the satellite. The receivers come in various sizes to suit both personal and commercial uses.
Service Locations
The service has already gone live in several locations including:
- Gir National Park, Gujarat
- Korba, Chhattisgarh
- Nabarangpur, Odisha
- ONGC-Jorhat, Assam
With the government’s approval, the service can now be rolled out to general users and corporate clients.
Expected Speed
According to the company, the satellite-based internet service can deliver speeds up to 1Gbps. However, connecting multiple devices to a single connection may reduce the speed.
Pricing
The pricing for Jio Satellite Service has not been announced yet. It is expected that Jio will launch both commercial and personal use plans, with commercial plans likely to be more expensive, while personal plans will be offered at more affordable prices.
FAQs about Jio Satellite Service
- When will Jio Satellite launch?
- The service has already been launched in select locations but is not yet commercially available. It is expected to be launched across India soon.
- Will the mobile tower system be phased out?
- No, the mobile tower system will not be phased out. Both technologies will coexist, benefiting areas where mobile towers are not present.
- Will the speed be lower?
- No, modern satellite services can offer speeds up to 1Gbps.
- Will weather affect the service?
- No, adverse weather conditions will not impact the network performance.
Key Takeaways
- Government Approval: Jio Satellite Service has received approval from the Indian government.
- High-Speed Internet: Offers up to 1Gbps speed directly via satellite.
- Service Areas: Already live in selected areas with plans for wider rollout.
- Pricing: Yet to be announced, but expected to be affordable for personal use.
- Technology: Aims to complement existing mobile tower systems.
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