After Airtel, Jio Signs Deal With Elon Musk’s Starlink

Just a day after Airtel signed a deal with Elon Musk-owned SpaceX’s Starlink, Jio also signed a deal with the same company to bring its satellite-based internet services to India. However, both deals can only become active after the government gives its approval for SpaceX to start its operations in India.

Interestingly, Jio and SpaceX have been against each other concerning how spectrum for satellite communication should be assigned to companies. While Jio wanted an auction, SpaceX requested the government of India for an administrative route. Eventually, the government of India decided to go for the administrative allocation.

SpaceX applied for a security clearance from the Indian government but the Home Ministry is still reviewing its application and is yet to take a call.

In its official statement, Jio said, “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.”