In a groundbreaking move, Reliance Jio, India’s largest telecom operator, has signed a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to introduce Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet services to the country. Announced on March 12, 2025, this partnership aims to revolutionize internet access, particularly in India’s remote and rural regions, where traditional broadband infrastructure struggles to reach. The agreement marks a significant step toward bridging India’s digital divide and intensifying competition in the telecom sector.
Under the deal, Jio will distribute Starlink’s satellite internet solutions through its extensive network of retail stores and online platforms. The company will also provide installation, activation, and customer support services for Starlink users. This collaboration leverages Jio’s dominance in mobile data traffic and SpaceX’s cutting-edge low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology, which powers Starlink’s global network of over 7,000 satellites. The service promises low-latency, high-speed broadband, with download speeds ranging from 25 to 220 Mbps—ideal for underserved areas.
Mathew Oommen, Group CEO of Reliance Jio, emphasized the company’s mission: “Ensuring every Indian, no matter where they live, has access to affordable and high-speed broadband remains Jio’s top priority. Partnering with SpaceX to bring Starlink to India is a transformative step toward seamless connectivity for all.” Similarly, SpaceX President and COO Gwynne Shotwell praised Jio’s commitment to advancing India’s digital infrastructure and expressed eagerness to collaborate pending government approval.
However, the rollout hinges on SpaceX securing regulatory clearances from the Indian government, including the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Center (IN-SPACe). While Jio’s existing satellite venture with SES and Bharti Airtel’s partnership with Eutelsat OneWeb have already obtained necessary licenses, Starlink’s application is still under review. This deal follows Airtel’s similar agreement with SpaceX, announced just a day earlier, signaling a heating up of India’s satellite broadband market.
The partnership comes after months of contention between Musk and Mukesh Ambani, Jio’s chairman, over spectrum allocation. Reliance had pushed for auctions, fearing Starlink could disrupt its $19 billion telecom business, while Musk advocated for administrative allocation, a global norm. The Indian government sided with Musk, paving the way for this unexpected alliance.
Starlink’s entry via Jio could shake up India’s telecom landscape. Unlike Jio’s JioFiber and JioAirFiber, which rely on terrestrial networks, Starlink bypasses ground infrastructure, offering a solution for hard-to-reach areas. While pricing details for India remain undisclosed, Starlink’s global model includes a one-time hardware cost (around $599 for the dish) and monthly fees starting at $120—potentially higher than India’s average broadband rates of ₹700-1,500. Jio has hinted at keeping plans “highly affordable” to compete locally.
This collaboration not only strengthens Jio’s broadband ecosystem but also positions India as a key market for SpaceX. With both Jio and Airtel now tied to Starlink, the race is on to connect India’s vast, underserved population, promising faster internet and new opportunities in education, healthcare, and beyond.
