Reliance Jio, India’s largest telecom operator, recently launched Jio Space Fiber, India’s first satellite-based broadband internet service. The service is aimed at providing high-speed internet access to even the most remote and inaccessible areas of the country. Jio Space Fiber works by using a satellite dish installed near your home to send and receive data from satellites orbiting the Earth. This allows for internet coverage in areas where traditional cable or fiber connections may not be available.
Jio Space Fiber uses a combination of geostationary (GEO) and medium earth orbit (MEO) satellites to provide internet connectivity. GEO satellites are located at a distance of approx 35,786 kilometers from the Earth and have a wide coverage area, but they also have higher latency (delay).
MEO satellites are located at a distance of approximately 2,000 to 12,000 kilometers from the Earth and have lower latency, but they also have a smaller coverage area. By using a combination of GEO and MEO satellites, Jio Space Fiber is able to provide both wide coverage and low latency.
It is integrated with Jio’s existing broadband and mobile networks. This means that users can seamlessly switch between different types of connections as needed. For example, if a user is in an area with good Jio 4G coverage, they can use their 4G connection for internet access.
If they move to an area with no 4G coverage, their Space Fiber connection will be automatically switched on. It is currently under beta testing, but it is expected to be rolled out to the public shortly. Jio has not yet announced pricing or plans for the service, but it is expected to be competitively priced.
Satellites and Types of Orbits
Satellites can also be classified by their orbit & below are the most known orbits.
Low Earth orbit (LEO)
LEO satellites orbit the Earth at altitudes of between 160 and 2,000 kilometers. They have a short orbital period (about 90 minutes) and can provide high-resolution imagery of the Earth’s surface.
Medium Earth orbit (MEO)
MEO satellites orbit the Earth at altitudes of between 2,000 and 35,786 kilometers. They have a longer orbital period (about 12 hours) than LEO satellites, but they can also provide global coverage.
Geostationary orbit (GEO)
GEO satellites orbit the Earth at an altitude of 35,786 kilometers. They have a synchronous orbital period, which means that they stay above the same point on the Earth’s surface at all times. This makes them ideal for applications such as satellite television and radio broadcasting.
The coverage area of Jio Space Fiber
The JioSpace Fiber service was launched exclusively in India. Four of the most remote areas of the country are now covered by the service.
The Gir district of Gujarat
The Korba district of Chhattisgarh.
In the district of Nabarangpur in Odisha.
An ONGC plant in Assam is called ONGC-Jorhat.
PROS – Potential Benefits of Jio Space Fiber
- High-speed internet access in even the most remote and inaccessible areas.
- Seamless switching between different types of connections as needed.
- Competitive Pricing.
CONS – Potential Disadvantages of Jio Space Fiber
- Slightly higher latency (delay) than traditional cable or fiber connections.
- Requires a satellite dish to be installed near your home.
Impact of JioSpaceFiber on India
Jio Space Fiber has the potential to revolutionize internet access in India. By providing high-speed internet access to even the most remote and inaccessible areas, Jio Space Fiber can help link the digital gap and connect millions of people to the internet. Jio Space Fiber can also have a positive impact on education, healthcare, and economic development in rural India. For example, students in rural areas can use Jio Space Fiber to access online educational resources. Healthcare professionals in rural areas can use Jio Space Fiber to teleconsult with specialists in urban areas. Businesses in rural areas can use Jio Space Fiber to expand their range and reach new customers.
What is Jio Space Fiber?
Jio Space Fiber connects to the internet via satellite. At the India Mobile Congress on Friday, Reliance Jio showcased this new technology. The company plans to offer satellite internet via medium Earth orbit (MEO) through a partnership with Luxembourg-based SES.
What is Jio Space Fiber’s launch date?
As this new technology was recently showcased by Reliance Jio on 27th October 2023, the official date of launch is yet to be announced.
What is the Price of Jio Space Fiber?
Reliance Jio has not yet announced pricing or plans for the service, but it is expected to be competitively priced.
What are the Jio Space Fiber’s available locations?
The JioSpace Fiber service was launched exclusively in India. Four of the most remote areas of the country are now covered by the service i.e., Gir, Korba, Nabarangpur, ONGC-Jorhat.
What are the Jio Space Fiber Plans?
Reliance Jio has not yet announced pricing or plans for the service.
Conclusion
Jio Space Fiber is a promising new service that has the potential to make a significant impact on India. It will be interesting to see how the service develops and how it is received by the public.
Also Read: Jio Air Fiber
