Reliance Jio ties up with SpaceX to offer Starlink’s satellite broadband services in India

Jio Platforms Limited (JPL), the technology platform of Reliance Industries Ltd, on Wednesday announced an agreement with Elon Musk’s SpaceX, under which Jio will offer Starlink’s broadband internet services to its customers in India. 

The agreement, which will allow Jio and Starlink to repackage offerings to Indian customers, including households and businesses, however, is subject to SpaceX receiving authorisation to operate Starlink in India.

Jio plans to use its position os the world’s largest mobile operator in terms of data traffic and subscriber base, will make Starlink solutions available through its retail outlets as well as through its online stores.

Starlink, which operates the world’s leading low Earth orbit satellite constellation with its reach across continents, including the world’s remotest areas, to deliver reliable broadband services. This will allow broadband penetration in the most rural and remotest regions of India.

Jio will support Starlink by equipment sales through retail outlets and customer support mechanism for service installation and activation.

According to Jio, Starlink’s business model complements JioAirFiber and JioFiber operations and would help extend high speed internet to the most challenging locations in an affordable way.

Mathew Oommen, CEO of Reliance Jio said the collaboration with SpaceX will help integrate Starlink with Jio’s operations in India, facilitating seamless high-speed broadband connectivity for all. 

Gwynne Shotwell, president and chief operating officer of SpaceX, said the company is looking for Government of India’s authorisation to work with Jio, which has built a worldclass all-IP data strong future proof network with 5G and 4G LTE technology in India.