In a surprising turn of events, Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio has entered into a partnership with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to introduce Starlink satellite internet services in India. The deal marks a shift in relations between the two business moguls, who had previously clashed over spectrum allocation policies.
Under the agreement, Reliance Jio will distribute Starlink equipment through its extensive retail network, granting the satellite internet provider a direct channel to Indian consumers. The partnership follows a similar announcement by India’s second-largest telecom player, Bharti Airtel, which also signed a conditional agreement with Starlink, pending government approval.
The move comes after months of debate over spectrum allocation, with the Indian government ultimately adopting the approach supported by Musk. Despite initial concerns from Reliance about competition in the telecom sector, the collaboration is expected to provide benefits for both parties, expanding internet access in underserved areas while ensuring Jio remains a key player in the market.
“This is a strategic and pragmatic decision for Starlink’s entry into India,” said Neil Shah, co-founder of research firm Counterpoint. “It creates a win-win scenario for all involved.”
Starlink has been awaiting regulatory approvals since 2022, with delays attributed to national security concerns. The partnership with Jio could help accelerate the approval process, easing its entry into one of the world’s largest internet markets.
Jio Platforms will also assist in the installation and activation of Starlink devices, further integrating the satellite service into India’s telecom landscape. Meanwhile, Reliance and SpaceX are exploring additional areas of collaboration, although details remain undisclosed.
The Jio-Starlink deal follows Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent discussions with Musk in Washington, where they addressed space technology, mobility, and innovation. The agreement is expected to have wider implications, particularly as Musk looks to expand his ventures in India, including the launch of Tesla showrooms.
The announcement had immediate market reactions, with Airtel’s shares dipping by 1% in Mumbai trading, while Reliance Industries saw a slight uptick.
As India moves towards increased satellite broadband adoption, the Jio-Starlink partnership signals a new phase in the country’s telecom industry, setting the stage for greater connectivity and competition in the sector.