Technology

Jio teams up with Elon Musk's SpaceX to launch Starlink's high-speed satellite internet in India

Jio Platforms Ltd. has unveiled a strategic alliance with SpaceX to launch Starlink’s satellite-based broadband internet services in India.This collaboration, pending regulatory approvals, is set to revolutionize India's digital landscape by delivering high-speed, low-latency internet to underserved and remote regions.

Under this agreement, Jio will distribute Starlink solutions through its extensive retail network and online platforms, making satellite broadband services easily accessible across the country. The partnership aims to bridge the digital divide by extending internet connectivity to rural villages, educational institutions, healthcare centers, and businesses in remote locations.

Jio will supply Starlink equipment along with installation and activation support to guarantee smooth connectivity for users.This integration will complement Jio's existing broadband solutions, including JioAirFiber and JioFiber, extending reliable internet access to areas where traditional fiber networks are challenging to deploy.

Mathew Oommen, Group CEO of Reliance Jio, emphasized the importance of this partnership, saying, "Providing affordable and high-speed broadband to every Indian, no matter where they are, continues to be Jio's foremost mission. Our partnership with SpaceX to introduce Starlink in India underscores our dedication and represents a groundbreaking move toward ensuring seamless connectivity for everyone. By combining Starlink's capabilities with Jio's broadband network, we are strengthening internet reliability and accessibility, enabling communities and businesses nationwide to thrive."

Gwynne Shotwell, President and Chief Operating Officer of SpaceX, praised Jio's dedication to improving India's connectivity. " We commend Jio for its unwavering commitment to enhancing digital connectivity throughout India. We are thrilled to partner with Jio and look forward to obtaining the necessary approvals from the Government of India to bring Starlink’s high-speed internet services to more people, organizations, and businesses," said Shotwell.

Although the partnership has been officially established, Starlink's rollout in India is pending necessary approvals from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Center (IN-SPACe).

This collaboration comes at a time when India's satellite broadband sector is rapidly evolving. Jio's partnership with SES and Airtel-backed Eutelsat OneWeb have already secured GMPCS (Global Mobile Personal Communications by Satellite) licenses, further intensifying competition in the sector. The Jio-Starlink alliance is expected to play a pivotal role in expanding broadband connectivity and driving India's digital growth.