JioSpaceFiber is a satellite-based broadband service that was announced by Reliance Jio at the Indian Mobile Congress. Unlike standard broadband that uses cables or fiber to deliver high-speed internet, JioSpaceFiber uses communications satellites to provide internet access. JioSpaceFiber is different than both JioAirFiber and Jio Fiber.
A satellite dish installed near your home sends and receives data from satellites orbiting the Earth. This technology allows Internet coverage in areas where traditional cable or fiber connections may not be available, such as rural areas. However, it’s worth noting that satellite internet may experience slightly higher latency (delay) because the data must travel through space and back.
JioSpaceFiber has already been rolled out in select areas across India, including Gir in Gujarat, Korba in Chhattisgarh, Nabarangpur in Odisha and ONGC in Jorhat in Assam. The company is partnering with Luxembourg-based company, SES, to provide this service. This new venture aims to disrupt the internet connectivity landscape in India.
Cable Broadband vs. Satellite Internet: Speed, Coverage, and Latency
Broadband Internet speeds may vary depending on the type of wiring used. Fiber, the fastest medium, can provide speeds in excess of 1000 Mbps. Satellite Internet also offers high speeds, but cable Internet is usually faster and more reliable. The advantage of satellite Internet is that it is available almost everywhere, because the signal comes from space. This makes it a viable option for people in rural areas who do not have access to cable or fiber connections.
Broadband Internet options such as fiber and cable can provide access only where existing infrastructure exists. One potential drawback of satellite Internet is the relatively high latency because the data has to travel through space and back. This may affect real-time online activities like gaming or video conferencing.
types of satellites
Satellites orbiting Earth fall into one of three categories:
भूस्थिर पृथ्वी कक्षा (GEO), मध्यम पृथ्वी कक्षा (MEO), और निम्न पृथ्वी कक्षा (LEO)
- Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites orbit 35,786 km above the Earth’s surface. They match the Earth’s rotation as they travel, and remain above the same point on the ground. Due to their size and altitude, only three GEO satellites are needed to cover the entire surface of the Earth.
- Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites occupy space 5,000 to 12,000 km above Earth. Their lower altitude enables lower latency than GEO satellites, but full coverage requires between eight and 20 more spacecraft.
- Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites operate between 850 and 2000 km1. While LEO satellites provide the lowest latency of the three orbits, LEO networks require increasingly higher latency.