Jio Platforms Partners with SpaceX to Bring Starlink Broadband to India:

Jio Platforms Limited revealed on March 12 that it has signed a deal with SpaceX's Elon Musk to offer Starlink's broadband internet services in India.

According to Jio Platforms, this deal is “subject to SpaceX receiving its own authorisations to sell Starlink in India.” They further added, “The agreement would enable both parties to formulate plans on how Jio’s offerings can be augmented by Starlink, and how Jio can help augment SpaceX’s direct to customer and business marketing initiatives.” Using this agreement, the parties would combine Jio’s status as the world’s largest mobile operator by data traffic, and Starlink’s status as the leading provider of low earth orbit satellites, to offer broadband services throughout the country, even the remotest and rural areas, the statement read.

How will it benefit Jio customers?
- Jio explained that the deal forms part of their efforts to ensure full access to reliable internet for all enterprises, including small and medium businesses, and the population in India.
- Starlink improves JioAirFiber and JioFiber by providing fast internet access to difficult and remote areas at a much cheaper rate.

- Reliance Jio's Group CEO, Mathew Oommen stated that the partnership symbolizes a breakthrough in the quest to achieve seamless broadband access for all users.

- “We are making high speed broadband more reliable and accessible to communities and businesses all over the country, and in turn expanding our impact in this AI driven world, by incorporating Starlink into Jio’s broadband ecosystem,” he stated.

Starlink Network Overview

As mentioned on the site, Starlink is the first and biggest satellite constellation in the world for providing broadband internet for streaming, online gaming, video calls and much more from low earth orbit.

While SpaceX, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, who operates and controls Starlink globally, the official rollout of the service in India is subject to the approval from the telecom regulators.

Starlink satellite internet enjoys the benefits of being deployed at a lower orbit than geostationary satellites which results in providing faster and better internet connections.

Starlink Satellite Internet Requirements

Starlink offers an installation/equipment kit which comes with a Starlink antenna (a dish for installation), a router, a satellite link cable, and an AC cable based on the user’s satellite connectivity needs.

Starlink emphasizes that obstructions can hinder service because “branches, poles, or even the roofs of buildings” can block the customer's connection to the satellite and it needs “a clear view of the sky” in order to remain connected to the satellites moving overhead.

Jio Platforms Delivers Their Statement

According to Jio Platform's statement, the company will sell Starlink's solutions both over-the-counter and through its online stores.

As the company stated, Jio will not only sell Starlink's hardware at the retail locations but will create systems to assist in the customer service's equipment installation and activation.