Jio Partners with Starlink for Satellite Internet in India

After Airtel, Jio Platforms Limited has partnered with Starlink for satellite internet service. With this partnership, Jio will join Airtel in offering Starlink services across India. Mukesh Ambani’s Jio Platforms Limited (JPL) and Elon Musk’s SpaceX have signed an agreement to provide Starlink’s broadband internet service in India. This partnership will enable Jio, like Airtel, to offer satellite-based internet services in rural and remote areas of the country.

With Jio Platforms Limited entering the satellite internet sector alongside Airtel, users will benefit significantly as there won’t be a single dominant player. Both Jio and Airtel will compete to offer the most affordable satellite internet services in India. Since Jio is known for providing internet services at the lowest prices, it is expected that Jio’s entry into satellite internet will bring cheaper connectivity for Indian users.

Jio’s satellite internet services will help extend connectivity to remote regions where establishing internet infrastructure is currently challenging. Jio is currently the world’s largest mobile operator, while Starlink is the leading low-earth orbit satellite constellation operator. Jio Platforms Limited users will be able to access Starlink both online and through Jio stores. Starlink is known for delivering high-speed internet to remote locations, making this collaboration between Jio and Airtel a potential game-changer.

Reliance Jio’s Group CEO, Matthew Oommen, stated that they aim to provide affordable high-speed broadband access in India. He emphasized that the partnership with Starlink aligns with their commitment. Jio is working toward seamless broadband connectivity for all Indians, and the collaboration with SpaceX supports this vision. The company plans to integrate Starlink into Jio’s broadband ecosystem to provide cost-effective internet access in remote areas of India.

The Indian government had previously clarified that satellite spectrum allocation would be administered through a regulatory framework. Following this announcement, Jio and Airtel proceeded with their partnerships with Starlink. Starlink provides internet connectivity directly via satellites without the need for wires or mobile towers, making it a crucial technology for expanding broadband access.