Reliance Jio Partners with SpaceX’s Starlink for Satellite Internet in India

Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio has signed a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to bring Starlink satellite internet services to India. This move comes after months of disputes between the two billionaires over how the country should allocate spectrum for satellite services.

The partnership follows a similar deal between Starlink and Bharti Airtel, India’s second-largest telecom operator, announced just a day prior. Both agreements remain subject to government approval.

Under the deal, Jio Platforms will sell Starlink equipment through its retail stores and online channels while providing installation support. Additionally, Jio and SpaceX are exploring further collaboration opportunities leveraging their infrastructure, according to a statement from Reliance.

Jio, already operating a satellite broadband joint venture with Luxembourg-based SES, has secured regulatory approval to launch commercial satellite internet services in India. Meanwhile, Starlink’s application is still under review.

Ambani and Musk previously clashed over spectrum allocation methods. While Jio pushed for an auction, Musk advocated for administrative allocation, aligning with global trends. The Indian government sided with Musk, raising concerns for Reliance, which spent $19 billion on airwave auctions and fears losing broadband and voice customers to Starlink.

This high-profile partnership follows a recent meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Musk in Washington, where they discussed technology, innovation, and space.

As the competition intensifies in India’s rapidly growing satellite internet market, the Reliance-Starlink deal marks a significant development, potentially reshaping broadband access in the country.