Jio Platforms, India’s largest telecom operator, announced a partnership with SpaceX tо offer Starlink satellite broadband services tо its customers. Under the agreement, which іs subject tо regulatory approvals, Jio will sell Starlink equipment through its retail outlets and online storefronts. The company will also help establish a mechanism tо support customer service, installation, and activation оf Starlink equipment, enhancing service accessibility.
Competing Deals and Expanding Internet Access
Earlier the same day, Airtel, India’s second-largest telecom operator, announced a similar partnership with SpaceX. Both deals are contingent on SpaceX receiving regulatory approvals in India, which are currently under review with IN-SPACe and the Department of Telecommunications. Jio plans to offer Starlink’s internet services to enterprise customers nationwide while exploring other complementary areas of cooperation to expand broadband reach.
SpaceX’s Previous Attempts and Market Potential
SpaceX previously attempted to enter the Indian market but had to refund preorders of its Starlink equipment in 2022 after the government flagged the company for offering services without proper approvals. With over 950 million internet subscribers, India represents a vast and largely untapped market for satellite internet, especially in rural and underserved areas where terrestrial infrastructure is limited.
Jio’s Broader Satellite Ambitions
Alongside the Starlink partnership, Jio has been developing its own satellite-based broadband service, JioSpaceFiber, through a joint venture with SES. Jio tested the service in four districts in 2023 and secured its In-SPACe approval last year. This dual-track approach positions Jio as a major player in India’s evolving satellite internet landscape, leveraging both internal and external capabilities.
Regulatory Dynamics and Industry Outlook
Despite Jio and Airtel previously opposing the Indian government’s proposal to ease Starlink’s entry through administrative processes rather than traditional spectrum auctions, both companies now appear aligned with SpaceX. “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,” said Gwynne Shotwell, SpaceX’s president and COO. The evolving partnerships suggest a promising future for satellite broadband in India, with the potential to transform connectivity nationwide.
