New Delhi: Jio Platforms Wednesday announced a deal with Elon Musk’s Space X to usher Starlink’s internet services in India, The Indian Express reported.
The signing of the deal came out a day after Bharti Airtel reported a similar deal with SpaceX for authorization to provide Starlink services in the country.
Jio and SpaceX had been in difference over how spectrum for satellite communication should be assigned to companies after Jio opted for auction and Space X stressing administrative route with the government eventually choosing to go with administrative allocation.
Meanwhile, it is reported that the Home Ministry is reviewing SpaceX’s application for a security clearance with the Indian government.
Jio’s retail outlets and online storefronts will make Starlink solutions available in the country.
Jio said in a statement: ‘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 set up a mechanism to support customer service installation and activation alongside offering Starlink equipment in its retail outlets.
‘Starlink complements JioAirFiber and JioFiber by extending high speed internet to the most challenging of locations in a quick and affordable manner,’ Jio was quoted as stating.
Both Jio and Space X are working on areas of cooperation to make use of their respective infrastructure to enhance digital ecosystem in India.
Mathew Oommen, Group CEO, Reliance Jio added that ‘By integrating Starlink into Jio’s broadband ecosystem, we are expanding our reach and enhancing the reliability and accessibility of high speed broadband in this AI-driven era, empowering communities and businesses across the country.’