News Brief
After Airtel, Reliance Jio Inks Deal With SpaceX To Offer Starlink's Broadband Internet Services In India
Elon Musk's Starlink to provide satellite internet services in India.
In a significant development, Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio has signed a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to bring Starlink satellite internet services to India, as reported The Hindu.
The agreement follows months of intense rivalry over how the country should allocate spectrum for satellite internet.
Further, the deal comes just a day after Bharti Airtel, India’s second-largest telecom provider, also announced a partnership with Starlink.
However, both agreements remain conditional on government approval, as Starlink has been awaiting an operating license in India since 2022.
Under the partnership, Jio will stock and distribute Starlink equipment across its vast network of retail stores, ensuring Starlink gains direct access to thousands of outlets in India.
This move marks a strategic shift for Ambani, who had previously been concerned that Musk’s entry could disrupt the Indian telecom space.
Musk and Ambani had previously clashed over spectrum allocation for satellite internet, with Reliance advocating for auctions while Musk lobbied for direct administrative allocation.
Despite past tensions, this deal signals a pragmatic approach by Reliance—competing with Starlink while simultaneously benefiting from its distribution.
The agreements also come nearly a month after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Musk in Washington, where discussions included space, technology, and innovation.
However, Starlink’s regulatory approval remains uncertain, with delays reportedly linked to national security concerns.
Tied under certain financial terms, the Jio-SpaceX deal shall enable Reliance Jio to offer its services in those areas of India where it is currently not available.
He further said that the deal shall be a low-cost model. In addition, installation and activation support service for Starlink devices will also be provided by the Jio.
