Reliance Jio has signed a deal with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s satellite internet services to India, the company announced on March 12. This agreement comes just a day after Bharti Airtel made a similar move in the satellite broadband sector.
The partnership is subject to regulatory approval, as SpaceX still needs government authorization to offer Starlink services in India. If approved, Jio and SpaceX will work together to integrate Starlink’s satellite internet into Jio’s network and expand connectivity in rural and remote areas of the country.
Starlink to Strengthen Jio’s Broadband Services
Under the agreement, Jio will distribute Starlink’s internet solutions through its retail stores and online platforms. Customers will be able to purchase Starlink equipment from Jio outlets, with installation and activation support provided.
This partnership will combine Jio’s vast mobile network with Starlink’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, ensuring high-speed and affordable broadband access across India. Mathew Oommen, Group CEO of Jio, highlighted the significance of the deal, saying it aligns with Jio’s mission to provide seamless internet access to every Indian, no matter where they live.
Regulatory Challenges for Starlink in India
Despite the agreement, SpaceX will still need the Indian government’s approval before it can start operations. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) are yet to give the green light for Starlink’s operations within the Indian market.
Starlink last year also agreed to comply with India’s data localisation and data security demands, which had delayed its clearance. Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio’s joint venture with SES had already received licenses from the Indian government.
Starlink currently operates with over 6,000 LEO satellites and Amazon’s Kuiper plans to launch 3,236 satellites by 2025. The government declared the satellite spectrum would be allotted administratively with a fee structure but telecom operators Jio and Bharti Airtel are pushing for a spectrum auction.
With the Indian space economy expected to reach $44 billion by 2033, the battle for satellite broadband leadership in the country is intensifying. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) will soon finalize the structure for satellite spectrum pricing.
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Source: Moneycontrol.
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