Jio Partners With SpaceX To Offer Starlink ’s Internet Services , After Airtel 's pact

Reliance Jio has partnered with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to bring Starlink satellite internet to India. However, the deal depends on government approval before SpaceX can start operations.

As part of the agreement, Jio will sell Starlink equipment in its stores and online, along with installation support.

This comes after a past dispute between Jio and SpaceX over spectrum allocation. Jio wanted an auction, but the Indian government backed Musk’s preference for direct allocation, following global norms.

Jio’s announcement follows Bharti Airtel’s similar deal with SpaceX. Airtel, already experienced in satellite communications through OneWeb, aims to use Starlink’s technology. Now, both telecom giants will compete in satellite internet, pending government approval for Starlink’s launch.

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Jio and SpaceX will provide broadband services across India, including remote and rural areas. Starlink equipment will be available in Jio’s retail stores and online platforms.

"This agreement, which is subject to SpaceX receiving its own authorisations to sell Starlink in India, enables Jio and SpaceX to explore how Starlink can extend Jio’s offerings and how Jio can complement SpaceX’s direct offerings to consumers and businesses," the company said in a statement.

"Jio will not only offer Starlink equipment in its retail outlets but will establish a mechanism to support customer service installation and activation. The agreement with SpaceX is part of Jio’s commitment to ensuring that reliable internet is fully accessible to all enterprises, small and medium businesses, and communities across India," the company added. 

Mathew Oommen, group CEO at Reliance Jio, said, “...Our collaboration with SpaceX to bring Starlink to India strengthens our commitment and marks a transformative step toward seamless broadband connectivity for all. By integrating Starlink into Jio’s broadband ecosystem, we are expanding our reach and enhancing the reliability and accessibility of high-speed broadband in this AI-driven era, empowering communities and businesses across the country."

Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO of SpaceX, said, "We applaud Jio’s commitment to advancing India’s connectivity. We are looking forward to working with Jio and receiving authorisation from the Government of India to provide more people, organisations and businesses with access to Starlink’s high-speed internet services.”

In June 2023, Elon Musk told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he wanted to bring Starlink to India. He said Starlink could be very useful for providing internet to remote villages without proper infrastructure.

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