Jobaaj Stories
Jio Platforms (JPL) has entered into a partnership with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to bring Starlink satellite internet services to India. However, the deal is subject to government approvals before SpaceX can officially launch its services in the country.
As part of the agreement, Jio will provide Starlink equipment through its retail stores and online platforms while also handling installations. This move comes after Jio previously clashed with SpaceX over spectrum allocation for satellite services, with Jio advocating for an auction and the government supporting Musk’s preference for administrative allocation in line with global norms.
Jio vs Airtel: A New Battle in Satellite Internet
Jio’s announcement comes just a day after Bharti Airtel signed a similar agreement with SpaceX. Airtel, already a major player in satellite communications through its OneWeb initiative, aims to use Starlink to enhance its broadband services. With both Jio and Airtel entering the satellite internet race, competition is heating up in this new segment of digital connectivity.
Gwynne Shotwell, President and Chief Operating Officer of SpaceX, welcomed the deal, saying, “We applaud Jio’s commitment to advancing India’s connectivity and look forward to working together once we receive regulatory approvals.”
Why Starlink Matters for India
Despite rapid digital growth, India still faces significant connectivity gaps, especially in rural and remote areas. While urban centres have access to high-speed fibre networks, millions of people in villages, hilly regions, and remote islands struggle with poor or no internet connectivity.
Starlink’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites can bypass these infrastructure challenges by beaming internet directly from space, making it an ideal solution for hard-to-reach locations. Mathew Oommen, Group CEO of Jio, highlighted this advantage, stating, “Ensuring that every Indian, no matter where they live, has access to affordable and high-speed broadband remains Jio’s top priority.”
Challenges for Starlink: Pricing and Regulations
While the potential is enormous, Starlink’s success in India depends on two key factors: affordability and regulatory approvals.
Currently, Starlink’s hardware costs between ₹25,000-₹35,000, with a monthly subscription ranging from ₹5,000-₹7,000—significantly higher than India’s average broadband costs of ₹700-₹1,500 per month. To drive mass adoption, SpaceX may need to introduce India-specific pricing or collaborate with government-backed digital initiatives.
Additionally, regulatory challenges remain. SpaceX must secure approvals for spectrum allocation, comply with data storage laws, and obtain security clearances. In the past, the company faced a temporary suspension in India for taking pre-bookings without proper licensing.
Jio’s Satellite Broadband Approval and Market Impact
Jio Platforms, already operating a satellite internet joint venture with Luxembourg-based SES, has received approval from India’s space regulator to roll out commercial satellite broadband services.
This development follows past tensions between Reliance and Musk over spectrum allocation. While Jio argued for an auction, the Indian government aligned with Musk’s stance of administrative allocation. Mukesh Ambani has emphasized the need for a level playing field, especially as satellite internet could disrupt traditional broadband and telecom services.
Stock Market Reaction
Shares of Reliance Industries Ltd. closed 0.71% higher on Tuesday at ₹1,247.25.
What’s Next?
As Jio and Airtel battle for dominance in the satellite internet space, millions of Indians could benefit from enhanced connectivity. The key question now is whether Starlink can navigate India’s regulatory landscape and offer competitive pricing for mass adoption. If successful, this partnership could revolutionize India’s digital infrastructure.
