A day after Bharti Airtel announced its partnership with SpaceX to introduce Starlink internet services in India, Reliance Jio has followed suit with a similar agreement with Elon Musk’s company.
According to a statement issued by Jio on Wednesday, the company will offer Starlink solutions through its retail outlets and online storefronts.
However, the agreement remains contingent on SpaceX obtaining the necessary authorisations to operate Starlink services in India.
The collaboration aims to leverage Jio’s vast telecom infrastructure and Starlink’s extensive low Earth orbit satellite network to deliver reliable broadband connectivity, particularly in remote and rural areas.
Jio has also stated that it will facilitate the installation and activation of Starlink equipment to enhance service accessibility.
“Through this agreement, the parties will leverage Jio’s position as the world's largest mobile operator in terms of data traffic and Starlink’s position as the world’s leading low Earth orbit satellite constellation operator to deliver reliable broadband services across the country, including the most rural and remote regions of India. Jio will not only offer Starlink equipment in its retail outlets but will establish a mechanism to support customer service installation and activation,” Jio said in a media release.
Also read: Airtel joins hands with SpaceX to bring Starlink to India
The agreement comes in the wake of a dispute between the two companies regarding the spectrum allocation mechanism for satellite services in India.
While Reliance Jio had pushed for an auction-based system, the Indian government ultimately aligned with Musk’s stance, opting for administrative allocation in accordance with global practices.
On Tuesday, Bharti Airtel had announced its own agreement with SpaceX to introduce Starlink services in India. Airtel’s partnership will focus on delivering Starlink connectivity through its retail outlets and will cater to businesses, rural communities, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities.
“Airtel and SpaceX will explore offering Starlink equipment in Airtel’s retail stores, Starlink services via Airtel to business customers, opportunities to connect communities, schools, and health centres, among many others, in even the most rural parts of India,” Bharti Airtel said in a statement.
Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and Vice Chairman of Bharti Airtel, described the collaboration as a major milestone, underscoring the company's commitment to next-generation satellite connectivity.
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