Jio plans a constellation of 1,600 satellites and 23 ground stations to expand connectivity across India. The company showcased this vision at the India Mobile Congress 2026 in New Delhi. Jio aims to reach over 600,000 villages, using space technology to connect remote areas where traditional network towers face many limitations.

Jio is working on a proposed constellation of around 1,600 satellites and plans to establish 23 ground stations across India, people familiar with the plan said, as the company looks to extend connectivity to areas where terrestrial networks are difficult to deploy.

The company showcased its satellite connectivity vision at the ongoing India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026 in New Delhi, presenting the initiative under the banner of "Sovereign Satellite Connectivity".

The display features a proposed constellation of approximately 1,600 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. Jio's vision is to keep the "entire value chain within India", from "design, engineering, integration and testing to launch, deployment and operations", according to the display.

The 23 proposed ground stations will connect the satellite network to infrastructure on the ground in India. Jio also plans to integrate satellite connectivity with its existing terrestrial network.

Jio's display outlines a vision of "100% coverage across land and maritime areas", with connectivity reaching "more than 600,000 villages". Remote villages, islands and border outposts are among the key focus areas.

The company has also highlighted potential applications across "enterprises, remote sites, aviation, maritime operations, government, defence and disaster response". "Direct-to-device calling" for rural areas is also part of the vision.

The theme of this year's India Mobile Congress is "Scale Without Boundaries". Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 10th edition of IMC on Thursday.

The theme reflects the ambition to take technology and connectivity beyond conventional limits. Jio's satellite plan offers a technological example of this vision, aiming to extend network reach through space where towers and fibre face limitations.

For now, both the 1,600 satellites and 23 ground stations remain part of a proposed plan. By bringing terrestrial and satellite networks together, Jio is looking to push connectivity beyond its traditional boundaries.