RIL AGM 2026: Jio eyes homegrown satellite broadband network, plans sovereign low-earth orbit constellation

Reliance Industries Ltd.'s (RIL) digital and telecom arm Jio Platforms is preparing to enter the satellite broadband segment, with plans to develop a sovereign Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation to extend connectivity to some of India's most remote and underserved regions.

Announcing the move at Reliance Industries' 49th annual general meeting on Friday, Jio Platforms chairman Akash Ambani said the company is evaluating the development of an India-made LEO satellite network as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the country's digital and space capabilities. The initiative comes at a time when demand for reliable broadband connectivity is growing beyond urban centres, prompting telecom operators globally to explore satellite-based networks alongside conventional terrestrial infrastructure.

Building a satellite broadband ecosystem

Akash Ambani said Jio is pursuing a dual-track strategy to accelerate its satellite broadband ambitions. While the company works on developing its own sovereign satellite capability, it is also partnering with leading global satellite constellation providers by leasing satellite capacity to bring services to market faster.

"This dual approach will enable Jio to meet India's connectivity needs faster, while laying the foundation for an Indian satellite broadband platform of global scale," Ambani said.

To support the initiative, Jio is building ground station infrastructure across India. These facilities will serve both partner satellite constellations and Jio's future satellites, creating what the company described as a fully integrated ecosystem spanning space and ground infrastructure.

AI, self-reliance and the next phase of growth

Akash Ambani also outlined Jio's artificial intelligence strategy, describing AI as a core pillar of the company's future growth. He said Jio plans to embed AI across its consumer technology platforms to deliver more personalised and intelligent digital experiences.

The satellite broadband initiative, coupled with AI-led services, forms part of Reliance's wider push into strategic technology sectors, including digital infrastructure, connectivity and emerging technologies.

Jio's satellite broadband plans build on a telecom franchise that has already achieved significant scale. The company now serves more than 524 million subscribers and has amassed a 5G user base of over 268 million, making it the largest 5G network operated by a single company outside China.

Having added 77 million 5G users in FY26 alone, Jio is increasingly looking beyond terrestrial networks as it seeks to expand high-speed connectivity to geographies where conventional telecom infrastructure remains difficult or uneconomical to deploy, according to Akash Ambani.

Jio IPO moves closer

In another major announcement, RIL chairman Mukesh Ambani stated that the Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) for Jio Platforms has received approval and will be filed with market regulator Sebi today, marking a significant milestone towards the company's much-anticipated public listing.

Mukesh Ambani also highlighted Reliance's continued investment momentum, noting that the group incurred capital expenditure of ₹1,44,271 crore in FY26. He added that Akash Ambani, Isha Ambani and Anant Ambani are leading the Jio IPO process and will spearhead the next phase of value creation across Reliance's businesses.