Jio Platforms Partners with SpaceX to Bring Starlink Satellite Internet to India
Mumbai-based Jio Platforms, owned by Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani, announced on Wednesday that it has entered into an agreement with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to provide Starlink’s satellite internet services to its customers. This partnership marks a significant step in expanding high-speed internet access across India, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
The announcement follows a similar deal signed by rival telecom operator Bharti Airtel just a day earlier. It also comes months after Ambani’s Reliance Industries and Musk’s SpaceX had clashed over the allocation of satellite spectrum in India. The potential introduction of Starlink, which uses low Earth orbit satellites to deliver high-speed internet, has sparked intense debate in the country, with discussions ranging from concerns about predatory pricing to the method of spectrum allocation.
As India, the world’s most populous nation, gears up for the rollout of mass satellite broadband services, the collaboration between SpaceX and Indian telecom giants signals a joint effort to accelerate adoption and bridge the digital divide.
Under the agreement, Jio Platforms will offer Starlink equipment through its retail outlets and provide customer support for installation and activation services. This partnership aims to make satellite internet more accessible and user-friendly for Indian consumers, particularly in regions where traditional internet infrastructure is limited.
The move highlights the growing importance of satellite internet in India’s digital transformation and underscores the competitive landscape as telecom companies race to expand their service offerings.
