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.