Jio Platforms Limited has entered into a strategic partnership with SpaceX, marking a significant development in the Indian broadband sector. This collaboration aims to bring Starlink’s high-speed internet services to India, tapping into Elon Musk’s network of low-Earth orbit satellites to enhance connectivity, particularly in remote and rural regions of the country. Starlink equipment will soon be accessible for purchase at Reliance Jio stores, with installation and activation services provided by Jio, pending necessary regulatory approvals for selling Starlink in India.
Reliance Jio-Starlink Partnership
The press release from Jio Platforms Limited highlights that the addition of Starlink will complement its current high-speed broadband offerings, such as JioAirFiber and JioFiber. The initiative is designed to quickly and cost-effectively boost internet availability in challenging areas. This partnership aligns with the telecom provider’s vision to enhance access to high-speed internet for both businesses and local communities throughout India.
Once regulatory approvals are obtained, customers will have the opportunity to purchase Starlink equipment from Reliance Jio locations. The telecom company will also manage customer service, including installation and activation, on behalf of SpaceX.
Gwynne Shotwell, President and Chief Operating Officer of SpaceX, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are looking forward to working with Jio and receiving authorization from the Government of India to provide more people, organisations and businesses with access to Starlink’s high-speed internet services.”
Moreover, the two companies are set to investigate additional areas of collaboration to enhance India’s digital landscape, leveraging their combined infrastructure and Starlink’s extensive network of nearly 7,000 active satellites that deliver low-latency broadband services to some of the most isolated parts of the world.
This announcement follows a similar agreement between SpaceX and Bharti Airtel, which also plans to distribute Starlink equipment through its stores in India. Airtel aims to provide Starlink services to various sectors including business customers, communities, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities.
