After Airtel, Jio Inks Deal With SpaceX To Offer Starlink’s Internet Services

SUMMARY

Under the partnership, Starlink will help Jio expand its internet services in exchange for local expertise in the telecom sector

As part of the deal, Jio will sell Starlink equipment through its retail stores and also set up a mechanism for installation and activation of the devices

This comes just a day after Sunil Mittal-led Bharti Airtel entered into a similar pact with SpaceX to provide Starlink’s satellite internet services to its customers in India

Following in the footsteps of Bharti Airtel, Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL’s) subsidiary Jio Platforms has joined hands with SpaceX, the aerospace company led by billionaire Elon Musk, to offer Starlink’s broadband internet services to its customers in India.

The implementation of the agreement hinges on SpaceX obtaining authorisation from regulatory authorities to offer Starlink’s services in the country.

Jio Platforms houses telecom giant Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd.

Through the partnership, both parties aim to leverage Jio’s position as the world’s largest mobile operator in terms of data traffic and Starlink’s position as the world’s leading provider of low Earth orbit satellite constellation to deliver high-speed broadband services across the country, Jio Platforms said in a statement.

As part of the deal, Jio will sell Starlink equipment through its retail stores and also set up a mechanism for installation and activation of the devices.

The agreement with SpaceX is part of Jio’s broader goal of providing reliable internet to all enterprises, small and medium businesses and communities across India, the telecom major said.

Jio and SpaceX are also evaluating other areas to collaborate, including leveraging their respective infrastructure to strengthen India’s digital ecosystem.

Commenting on the partnership, Mathew Oommen, group CEO of Reliance Jio, said, “Our collaboration with SpaceX to bring Starlink to India strengthens our commitment and marks a transformative step toward seamless broadband connectivity for all.”

“By integrating Starlink into Jio’s broadband ecosystem, we are expanding our reach and enhancing the reliability and accessibility of high-speed broadband in this AI-driven era,” he added.

This comes just a day after Sunil Mittal-led Bharti Airtel entered into a similar pact with SpaceX to provide Starlink’s satellite internet services to its customers in India.

It is pertinent to note that SpaceX is awaiting regulatory approvals to launch Starlink services in India. As per existing laws, companies are required to secure a GMPCS licence and IN-SPACe approval, along with allocation of spectrum from the Indian government, to offer satellite-based voice and data services in the country.

The union government hinted last year that it would go the administrative route for satcom spectrum allocation, even as India’s telco majors have opposed that stance.