Jio and SpaceX Partnership to Launch Starlink in India

Tanzeha Fatma
May 2
2 min read

Updated: May 9

Bridging the Digital Divide with Satellite Internet

In a big step to augment India's digital infrastructure, Reliance Jio has joined hands with Elon Musk's SpaceX to launch Starlink's satellite-based internet services throughout the country. The partnership seeks to offer high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity, particularly in rural and remote areas where conventional broadband services are scarce.

The partnership enables Jio to sell Starlink hardware via its large retail network, subject to regulatory approvals. Jio will also provide customer support for installation and activation, providing a hassle-free experience for users.

What are the technical aspects of Jio & SpaceX Partnership?

Starlink runs a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, providing broadband internet to remote locations around the world. In India, combining Starlink's technology with Jio's infrastructure is anticipated to:

Offer internet speeds similar to traditional broadband.
Lower latency, making real-time applications such as video conferencing and online gaming possible.
Increase coverage to areas with no fiber-optic connectivity.
This combination of satellite and terrestrial networks is set to transform internet availability in India.

Regulatory Landscape and Market Implications:

The launch of Starlink services in India is pending approval from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). Earlier, disagreements about the methods of spectrum allocation led to delays, with Jio supporting auctions and SpaceX promoting administrative allocation. The administrative allocation of spectrum by the Indian government has set the stage for this collaboration.

With more than 40% of India's population not having internet access, this proposal would go a long way in lessening the digital divide. Pricing, however, will be important, considering the cost-effectiveness of current mobile data services within the country.

Strategic Significance of this partnership:

This Jio & SpaceX partnership supports India's vision of digital inclusivity and sets the country as a major force in the satellite internet market globally. For SpaceX, selling in India provides access to a huge customer base, while Jio will be able to expand its service provision, particularly where it is difficult to lay fiber-optic cables.

Conclusion:

This Jio–SpaceX collaboration may be a game-changer for India’s internet future, but it’s only one part of SpaceX’s big story. Don’t miss our article on the Starship explosion in space during its recent test flight. Other than this, utilizing satellite technology, the collaboration is set to reach millions, driving economic growth and digital empowerment.