Reliance-owned Jio Platforms (JPL) has partnered with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to provide Starlink’s high-speed internet services to its customers in India, in an expansion of its broadband services, the company said on March 12.
The collaboration seeks to leverage Jio’s extensive mobile network and Starlink’s satellite technology to ensure reliable internet access, including in rural areas, the statement added.
The deal is subject to SpaceX gaining approval from Indian authorities to sell Starlink in the country, the statement added.
About the Jio-Starlink Agreement: What Does it Offer?
According to Jio, the agreement will enable the company and SpaceX to “explore how Starlink can extend Jio’s offerings and how Jio can complement SpaceX’s direct offerings to consumers and businesses. For Starlink, Jio will make its solutions available at its retail outlets and online stores.
The companies hope 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 low Earth orbit satellite constellation operator to extend servies to even rural and remote areas of India, it added.
As part of the deal, Jio offer Starlink equipment in its retail outlets, online stores, and establish a mechanism to support customer service installation and activation.
How Will This Deal Help Jio Customers?
The agreement with SpaceX is part of Jio’s commitment to ensuring that reliable internet is fully accessible to all enterprises, small and medium businesses, and communities across India. Starlink complements JioAirFiber and JioFiber by extending high speed internet to the most challenging of locations in a quick and affordable manner.
Jio and SpaceX are also evaluating other complementary areas of cooperation to leverage their respective infrastructure to further enhance India’s digital ecosystem.
“Ensuring that every Indian, no matter where they live, has access to affordable and high-speed broadband remains Jio’s top priority,” said Mathew Oommen, Group CEO, Reliance Jio. “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, empowering communities and businesses across the country.”
“We applaud Jio’s commitment to advancing India’s connectivity” said Gwynne
Shotwell, President and Chief Operating Officer of SpaceX. “We are looking forward to working with Jio and receiving authorization from the Government of India to provide more people, organizations and businesses with access to Starlink’s high-speed internet services.”
