The Plot Thickens: Second Indian Telecom Giant Partners with SpaceX for Starlink Internet
Mumbai (The Uttam Hindu): In a significant development, Reliance Industries' digital services company, Jio Platforms Limited, has announced a strategic partnership with Elon Musk's SpaceX to offer Starlink's broadband internet services in India. The agreement, subject to SpaceX receiving authorization to sell Starlink in India, enables Jio to make Starlink solutions available through its retail outlets and online storefronts. This collaboration aims to expand Jio's offerings and enhance the reliability and accessibility of high-speed broadband in India. According to the agreement, Jio and SpaceX will explore how Starlink can extend Jio's offerings and how Jio can complement SpaceX's direct offerings to consumers and businesses. Jio will not only offer Starlink equipment in its retail outlets but will also establish a mechanism to support customer service installation and activation. The partnership is part of Jio's commitment to ensure that reliable internet is fully accessible to all enterprises, small and medium businesses, and communities across India. Starlink complements JioAirFiber and JioFiber by extending high-speed internet to the most challenging of locations in a quick and affordable manner.
Jio and SpaceX are also evaluating other complementary areas of cooperation to leverage their respective infrastructure to enhance India's digital ecosystem further. The partnership is expected to play a significant role in advancing India's connectivity and digital landscape. Mathew Oommen, the Group CEO of Reliance Jio, stated that the collaboration with SpaceX to bring Starlink to India strengthens their commitment and marks a transformative step toward seamless broadband connectivity for all. He added that by integrating Starlink into Jio's broadband ecosystem, they are expanding their reach and enhancing the reliability and accessibility of high-speed broadband in this AI-driven era, empowering communities and businesses across the country. Gwynne Shotwell, the President and Chief Operating Officer of SpaceX, applauded Jio's commitment to advancing India's connectivity. She stated that they 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. This development comes a day after Jio's rival Bharti Airtel signed a similar pact with SpaceX. The partnership between Jio and SpaceX is expected to further accelerate the growth of India's digital ecosystem and provide seamless broadband connectivity to all.
