In a surprising turn of events, Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio has signed a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to introduce Starlink satellite internet services to India. This partnership comes after months of contention between the two billionaires over spectrum allocation for satellite internet.
As part of the agreement, Reliance Jio, India’s largest telecom operator, will stock Starlink equipment in its retail outlets, providing SpaceX with a direct distribution network across the country. Jio will also offer installation and activation support for Starlink devices.
The deal follows a similar announcement between Starlink and Bharti Airtel, India’s second-largest telecom operator, a day earlier. Both agreements are contingent on Starlink obtaining government approval to commence operations in India.
The partnership marks a strategic shift for both companies. While Reliance had previously expressed concerns about Starlink’s potential dominance in the telecom space, the collaboration allows Jio to offer Starlink products in areas where it currently lacks coverage. For Starlink, the deal provides a low-cost entry model into the Indian market.
India’s satellite service sector is projected to grow at an annual rate of 36%, reaching US$1.9 billion by 2030, according to Deloitte. However, Starlink has faced challenges in obtaining licenses to operate in India, with delays attributed to national security concerns.
The Jio-SpaceX deal comes weeks after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Elon Musk in Washington to discuss space, technology, and innovation. Reliance and SpaceX are also exploring additional areas of cooperation to leverage their respective infrastructures.
This partnership underscores the growing importance of satellite internet in India’s fast-evolving digital landscape, as both companies aim to capitalize on the sector’s immense potential.