Reliance Jio, India’s largest telecom operator and a subsidiary of Reliance Industries, has announced a strategic partnership with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to introduce Starlink’s satellite internet services in India.
Highlights
This development comes shortly after Bharti Airtel revealed a similar collaboration with SpaceX, highlighting the growing interest of Indian telecom companies in low-Earth orbit satellite broadband for expanding connectivity.
Regulatory Approvals and Rollout Plans
Like Airtel, Jio’s agreement with SpaceX is awaiting regulatory clearance from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) and the Department of Telecommunications.
Under the partnership, Jio will distribute Starlink equipment through its retail stores and online platforms while also handling installations and activations.
The goal is to enhance broadband access, particularly in areas where traditional networks struggle to provide consistent service.
Differing Strategies in the Satellite Broadband Market
While Airtel’s partnership with SpaceX focuses primarily on enterprise customers, Jio plans to integrate Starlink into both consumer and enterprise segments. However, Jio’s satellite broadband ambitions extend beyond Starlink.
The company has been developing its own satellite internet service, JioSpaceFiber, through a joint venture with SES. Jio successfully tested the service in four districts in 2023 and has already secured regulatory approvals from IN-SPACe.
Intensifying Competition in India’s Telecom Sector
The rapid succession of agreements between Airtel and Jio underscores the growing competition in India’s telecom industry.
Both companies had previously opposed regulatory proposals that could have allowed Starlink to enter the market through administrative approvals rather than spectrum auctions. Now, with both telecom giants directly collaborating with SpaceX, the competitive landscape is evolving.
Starlink’s Renewed Effort in India
SpaceX has been interested in entering the Indian market for several years. In 2022, the company was required to refund Starlink preorders after the Indian government flagged concerns over licensing.
The recent agreements with Airtel and Jio reflect a more structured approach to securing regulatory approval.
Ongoing discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and global technology leaders, including Elon Musk, have emphasized the role of digital infrastructure in India’s growth.
Expanding India’s Digital Connectivity
With over 950 million internet users in a population of 1.4 billion, India remains a key market for satellite broadband expansion.
While Reliance and Airtel are incorporating Starlink into their networks, they continue to develop their own satellite projects—JioSpaceFiber and Airtel’s OneWeb partnership.
This dual approach could influence the future of broadband connectivity in the country, particularly in regions where traditional networks remain unreliable.
SpaceX is optimistic about obtaining the necessary approvals, with President and COO Gwynne Shotwell expressing confidence in the partnership with Jio.
If regulatory hurdles are cleared, the agreement could help accelerate high-speed internet adoption in India, extending reliable connectivity to remote and underserved areas.
