After Airtel, Jio Platforms has announced a collaborative agreement with SpaceX to explore the provision of Starlink’s broadband internet services to Indian customers. This agreement hinges on SpaceX securing the necessary regulatory approvals to operate Starlink within India.
The collaboration aims to investigate how Starlink’s services can augment Jio’s existing offerings, and conversely, how Jio can complement SpaceX’s direct-to-consumer and business services. Jio intends to distribute Starlink equipment through its retail outlets and online platforms.
The stated objective of this partnership is to leverage Jio’s extensive data traffic capacity and SpaceX’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation to deliver broadband services across India, with a focus on reaching remote and rural areas.
Jio plans to offer Starlink hardware through its established retail network and will also establish a customer service infrastructure to support installation and activation processes.
This agreement aligns with Jio’s stated commitment to broaden internet accessibility for enterprises, small and medium-sized businesses, and communities throughout India. Starlink is positioned as a complementary technology to JioAirFiber and JioFiber, aiming to provide high-speed internet to geographically challenging locations in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
Beyond the initial distribution agreement, Jio and SpaceX are also exploring potential areas of cooperation to leverage their respective infrastructure and contribute to the expansion of India’s digital ecosystem.
Commenting on the partnership, Mathew Oommen, Group CEO, Reliance Jio, said:
Ensuring that every Indian, no matter where they live, has access to affordable and high-speed broadband remains Jio’s top priority. 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 Chief Operating Officer of SpaceX, said:
We applaud Jio’s commitment to advancing India’s connectivity. We are looking forward to working with Jio and receiving authorization from the Government of India to provide more people, organizations and businesses with access to Starlink’s high-speed internet services.