Jio signs pact with SpaceX to bring Starlink's internet to India

Reliance Jio has signed an agreement with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to introduce Starlink’s satellite-based internet services in India. The deal, announced on March 12, follows a similar pact between Bharti Airtel and SpaceX. However, the rollout is contingent on regulatory approvals from the Indian government, including security clearance from the Home Ministry and authorization from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Indian space regulator, IN-SPACe.

As part of the agreement, Jio and SpaceX will explore how Starlink can complement Jio’s existing broadband services, including JioFiber and JioAirFiber. Jio will offer Starlink equipment and services through its retail outlets and online platforms while also setting up customer service, installation, and activation support. “Ensuring that every Indian, no matter where they live, has access to affordable and high-speed broadband remains Jio’s top priority,” said Mathew Oommen, Group CEO of Reliance Jio.

Starlink, which operates the world’s largest low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation with over 6,000 satellites, is expected to provide internet connectivity in remote and underserved regions of India. SpaceX President and COO Gwynne Shotwell stated, “We are looking forward to working with Jio and receiving authorization from the Government of India to provide more people, organizations, and businesses with access to Starlink’s high-speed internet services.”

The agreement marks a shift in Jio’s approach to satellite internet. Previously, Jio had advocated for a spectrum auction, whereas SpaceX had pushed for administrative allocation. The Indian government has since decided to allocate the satellite communication spectrum administratively with a fee structure, a model that will also impact players like Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio’s joint venture with SES, which have already secured GMPCS licenses and IN-SPACe approvals.

India’s satellite broadband sector is poised for rapid expansion, with competition intensifying between Jio, Airtel, and international players. Amazon’s Kuiper project is planning to launch 3,236 satellites beginning in 2025, adding to the growing satellite internet market. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is expected to announce pricing details for the satellite communication spectrum soon, which will be crucial for commercial rollouts.

The Indian government aims to grow its space economy to $44 billion by 2033, capturing 8% of the global market share, up from its current 2%. Starlink’s entry, alongside other satellite broadband providers, is expected to play a key role in expanding internet access across the country. However, until regulatory approvals are secured, the commercial launch of Starlink in India remains on hold.