Jio Partners With SpaceX For Starlink Internet Services In India

MUMBAI: Following Airtel's recent announcement of a partnership with SpaceX to introduce Starlink internet services in India, Reliance Jio has revealed a similar agreement with Elon Musk's company.

Jio plans to offer Starlink solutions through its extensive network of retail outlets and online platforms. However, the agreement is contingent upon SpaceX obtaining the necessary authorizations to operate Starlink in India. According to a media release from Jio, the collaboration aims to combine Jio’s status as the world’s largest mobile operator in terms of data traffic with Starlink’s capabilities as a leading low Earth orbit satellite constellation provider.

This alliance is likely to boost broadband coverage throughout India, especially in rural and remote regions. Not only will Jio retail Starlink hardware, but it will also have a customer service, installation and activation support system in place.

The move follows earlier tensions between the two firms over allocating spectrum for satellite services. Reliance Jio had pushed for an auction route, while the Indian government had supported Musk's offer of administrative allocation, conforming to global norms.

On the previous day, Bharti Airtel announced its own agreement with SpaceX, marking the first such deal in India. Airtel's partnership will look into the sale of Starlink hardware at its retail outlets and offering services to business customers, targeting rural communities, schools and health centers with limited connectivity. Airtel managing director Gopal Vittal highlighted the importance of this tie-up in taking satellite connectivity forward in India.

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