Jio and Starlink Partner to Bring Satellite Internet to India

Jio Platforms Partners with SpaceX to Bring Starlink to India

Reliance Industries’ subsidiary, Jio Platforms, and SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, have announced a collaboration to deliver Starlink’s satellite internet services to customers throughout India. This partnership marks a significant step in expanding broadband access within the country.

Agreement Details and Regulatory Approvals

The agreement, pending necessary regulatory clearances, will see Jio and SpaceX jointly investigate integrating Starlink into Jio’s existing service portfolio. Jio will also function as a retailer for Starlink hardware, distributing it through both its physical stores and online platforms.

Furthermore, Jio will provide support for customer service, installation, and activation procedures related to Starlink equipment.

Airtel's Similar Partnership

This announcement follows a similar agreement earlier on Wednesday between Airtel, India’s second-largest telecom provider, and SpaceX. Airtel’s partnership is also contingent upon securing regulatory approvals from IN-SPACe and the Department of Telecommunications.

Expanding Reach to Enterprise Customers

Jio intends to initially offer SpaceX’s internet services to enterprise clients nationwide via its established channels. The companies will also explore further areas of collaboration to leverage their respective infrastructure within India, the world’s most populous nation.

Statements from Key Executives

Mathew Oommen, Group CEO of Reliance Jio, stated that integrating Starlink into Jio’s broadband network will broaden their reach and improve the reliability and accessibility of high-speed broadband. This enhancement is particularly crucial in the current era driven by artificial intelligence, empowering both communities and businesses.

Gwynne Shotwell, president and COO of SpaceX, expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with Jio and obtaining governmental authorization to extend Starlink’s high-speed internet services to a wider audience in India.

SpaceX's Previous Attempts and Recent Developments

SpaceX’s previous attempt to enter the Indian market, which boasts over 950 million subscribers, faced setbacks. The company was compelled to issue refunds for pre-ordered Starlink equipment in 2022 due to operating without the required governmental approvals.

These recent developments occur shortly after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the U.S., where he met with Elon Musk and President Donald Trump, and a deal for a global subsea cable project was finalized.

Competition and Existing Satellite Broadband Initiatives

Jio’s partnership with SpaceX occurs alongside its own satellite-based broadband initiative, JioSpaceFiber, a joint venture with SES. Testing of JioSpaceFiber took place in four districts in 2023, and it received In-SPACe approval last year. Airtel has also been actively exploring satellite internet solutions through OneWeb.

Navigating the Competitive Landscape

The success of Jio and Airtel’s support for Starlink’s rollout will be closely watched, considering their existing satellite broadband ventures. Both telecom companies previously voiced opposition to the Indian government’s consideration of easing Starlink’s market entry through administrative channels, favoring the traditional auction process for spectrum allocation.

Currently, all parties appear aligned in their objectives. The collaboration signifies a commitment to expanding internet access and fostering technological advancement within India.