Summary:
Jio Platforms has partnered with SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, to roll out Starlink’s low-Earth-orbit satellite-based high-speed internet services in India, shortly after Airtel announced a similar tie-up. The collaboration will allow Jio to retail and support Starlink equipment nationwide, expanding broadband access, particularly in remote areas without wired or cellular connectivity. While launch dates and India pricing remain unannounced, the service—priced at $80 per month in the US with a $350 equipment cost—is expected to be positioned at a premium compared to offerings like JioFiber and Jio AirFiber. Despite higher setup costs and weather-related limitations, the partnership strengthens Jio’s broadband portfolio by adding satellite-powered connectivity to its existing services.
On Wednesday, Jio Platforms revealed a strategic alliance with SpaceX, the aerospace company founded by Elon Musk, to introduce low-Earth-orbit satellite-based Starlink high-speed internet services in India. The development follows closely on the heels of a similar collaboration announced by Airtel with SpaceX just a day earlier.
“Our partnership with SpaceX to launch Starlink in India reinforces our commitment and represents a transformative move toward universal broadband access. By incorporating Starlink into Jio’s broadband ecosystem, we are widening our coverage while improving the dependability and availability of high-speed internet in this AI-driven era, enabling individuals and enterprises nationwide,” said Mathew Oommen, Group CEO of Reliance Jio.
Gwynne Shotwell, President and Chief Operating Officer of SpaceX, stated, “We look forward to collaborating with Jio and obtaining the necessary approvals from the Government of India to extend Starlink’s high-speed internet connectivity to more individuals, institutions, and businesses.”
At present, there are no official details regarding Starlink’s launch timeline or pricing structure in India. In the United States, the service is priced at $80 per month—approximately Rs 7,000—suggesting that it may be positioned at a premium compared to existing offerings such as JioFiber and Jio AirFiber, which start below Rs 1,000 per month.
Under this arrangement, Jio is authorised to retail Starlink equipment in India. These devices connect directly to satellites, enabling high-speed wireless internet access even in geographically isolated regions. Jio confirmed that customers will be able to purchase Starlink solutions through its nationwide retail outlets, with the company also providing installation and activation support.
Using Starlink requires a phased-array satellite dish that automatically adjusts its orientation for optimal signal reception, along with a dedicated Starlink router to deliver Wi-Fi connectivity. The complete kit is priced at $350, or roughly Rs 30,000. It includes a power supply unit to run both the dish and router, necessary cabling, and a standard tripod mount. Alternative mounting options—such as pole, rooftop, or wall mounts—are available separately.
Compared with conventional wired broadband services, Starlink’s initial setup cost is somewhat higher. It also presents certain limitations: adverse weather conditions like heavy rainfall, snow, or storms may temporarily affect signal quality, leading to slower speeds or brief service interruptions. Moreover, the dish requires an unobstructed view of the sky to maintain optimal connectivity with satellites.
Despite these constraints, Starlink offers significant advantages in remote and underserved areas lacking cellular towers or fixed broadband infrastructure.
With this partnership, Jio—recognized as the world’s largest mobile operator—joins forces with Starlink, a leader in low Earth orbit satellite constellations, to provide high-speed wireless broadband across India. The service will complement Jio’s existing JioAirFiber and JioFiber offerings, further strengthening its connectivity portfolio.
