Jio Platforms Limited has signed an agreement with SpaceX to provide Starlink’s broadband internet services in India, pending authorization from the government. This development follows a similar partnership between SpaceX and Jio’s competitor, Bharti Airtel. Jio CEO Mathew Oommen stated that the collaboration aims to enhance broadband access nationwide, particularly in rural areas. Customers will be able to purchase Starlink equipment through Jio’s retail and online stores, with support for installation and activation. The partnership seeks to leverage both companies’ strengths and improve digital connectivity across various communities and businesses in India.
New Delhi:
Jio Platforms Limited, the digital services arm of the Reliance Group, has entered into a partnership with SpaceX to provide Starlink’s broadband internet services to customers in India, the company announced on Wednesday.
This partnership is contingent upon SpaceX obtaining the necessary authorization to offer Starlink in India.
This news follows a similar agreement made by Jio’s competitor, Bharti Airtel, with SpaceX the previous day.
“Our collaboration with SpaceX to introduce Starlink in India reinforces our dedication and represents a significant advancement towards ensuring seamless broadband connectivity for everyone,” said Mathew Oommen, the Group CEO of Reliance Jio.
“By incorporating Starlink into Jio’s broadband framework, we are widening our reach and improving the reliability and accessibility of high-speed internet during this AI-powered age, thereby empowering communities and businesses nationwide,” he added.
The partnership allows Jio and SpaceX to examine ways in which Starlink can enhance Jio’s services and how Jio can support SpaceX’s direct offerings to both consumers and businesses.
As part of this agreement, Jio will make Starlink solutions available at its retail locations as well as through its online platforms, according to the statement.
By leveraging Jio’s status as the largest mobile operator globally in terms of data traffic alongside Starlink’s leadership in low Earth orbit satellite constellations, the two companies aim to provide dependable broadband services throughout the country, including in the most rural and isolated areas.
Jio plans not only to sell Starlink equipment in its stores but also to set up a support system for customer service installation and activation, as outlined in the statement.
The statement also mentioned that the collaboration with SpaceX is part of Jio’s commitment to ensuring that reliable Internet access is available to all enterprises, small and medium businesses, and communities across India.
Starlink enhances JioAirFiber and JioFiber by delivering high-speed internet solutions to the most challenging locations quickly and affordably, the statement noted.
Jio and SpaceX are also exploring other areas of partnership that could leverage their respective infrastructures to further improve India’s digital ecosystem.
“We commend Jio’s efforts in enhancing India’s connectivity. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with Jio and securing authorization from the Government of India to provide more individuals, organizations, and businesses with access to Starlink’s high-speed internet services,” said Gwynne Shotwell, the President and Chief Operating Officer of SpaceX. PTI PRS NSD NSD
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)