Reliance's Jio Platforms Ties Up With SES To Offer SpaceX, OneWeb-Like Satellite Broadband

Mukesh Ambani-controlled Jio Platforms Ltd. will set up a joint venture to provide satellite-based broadband services across India as it joins the race with SpaceX and OneWeb to offer reliable, high-speed internet everywhere.

The holding company for digital and telecom assets of Reliance Industries Ltd. and Luxembourg-based SES SA will own 51% and 49% equity stake, respectively, in the joint venture, Jio Space Technology, according to an exchange filing. “The joint venture will use multi-orbit space networks, a combination of geostationary and medium earth orbit satellite constellations capable of delivering multi-gigabit links and capacity to enterprises, mobile backhaul and retail customers.”

The JV will have up to 100 Gbps capacity from SES—a satellite-based content connectivity service provider—and will leverage Jio’s reach in India, the statement said. Jio, as an anchor customer of the JV, has signed a multi-year capacity purchase agreement based on certain milestones, along with gateways and equipment purchase, with a total contract value of $100 million.

According to Reliance, the partnership will be a “catalyst for connecting the unconnected areas within India and the region to the full range of digital services, offering access to remote health, government services, and distance learning opportunities”.

Elon Musk-led SpaceX’s Starlink, too, uses the same technology, albeit via low orbit satellites, to provide high-speed internet. It has deployed close to 2,000 satellites for its network.

At home, Bharti Airtel Ltd. had announced a partnership with Hughes Communications to provide satellite broadband services in India. The deal, announced in May 2019, received all statutory approvals in January this year. OneWeb, a joint venture between the U.K. government and Bharti Group, too, provides broadband services via a constellation of 650 low Earth orbit satellites.