On March 12, Jio Platforms, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries (RIL), announced its partnership with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to bring the satellite-based internet service, Starlink, to India. The move comes just a day after Bharti Airtel, a key rival, revealed a similar collaboration with SpaceX, sparking competition in the satellite broadband sector.
The collaboration aims to provide fast, reliable internet services across India, especially in rural and remote areas that have long struggled with connectivity. Jio’s CEO, Mathew Oommen, emphasized that the company’s goal is to make high-speed internet accessible to every Indian citizen. He described the partnership with Starlink as a significant step forward in improving the country’s digital infrastructure.
As part of the agreement, Jio will manage all aspects of the Starlink service in India, including installations and customer support, ensuring a seamless user experience. SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell expressed confidence in Jio’s commitment to expanding internet access, highlighting the potential of the partnership to bring transformative connectivity solutions to underserved regions of India.
The news positively impacted RIL’s stock, which saw a brief 1% uptick in early trade, although some of the gains were later pared back amid market volatility. By mid-morning, RIL shares were trading 0.35% higher at Rs 1,251.50.With both Jio and Airtel now in the satellite internet race, India is set to witness a fierce competition in the broadband space, with each player aiming to leverage SpaceX’s technology to enhance digital services. The rollout of Starlink services is contingent on approval from the Indian government, and both companies are eager to expand satellite broadband infrastructure across the nation. This strategic move by Jio not only enhances its competitive position but also signals a new era of internet connectivity in India