Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio Strikes Surprise Deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX for Starlink in India
In a surprising turn of events, Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio has signed a distribution deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to bring Starlink satellite internet services to India. This comes after months of contention between the billionaires over spectrum allocation, with New Delhi ultimately siding with Musk’s approach. As part of the agreement, Jio will stock Starlink equipment in its retail outlets, providing the U.S.-based company with a direct distribution channel across thousands of stores in India. However, the deal remains subject to government approval.
The agreement marks a strategic move for both parties, as it allows Starlink to enter the Indian market at a low cost while enabling Jio to offer satellite broadband in areas where it currently lacks coverage. This follows a similar deal between Starlink and Bharti Airtel, announced a day earlier. India’s satellite service sector is expected to grow at 36% annually to reach $1.9 billion by 2030, making it a lucrative market for internet providers. Jio Platforms, which also has a joint venture with Luxembourg-based SES, will provide installation and activation support for Starlink devices.
This deal comes as Musk strengthens his presence in India, having recently secured approval for Tesla’s first showroom in the country. However, challenges remain, including high tariffs on imported electric vehicles and regulatory delays in granting Starlink’s operating license due to national security concerns. Analysts suggest the partnership could help expedite approvals while reshaping India’s telecom and broadband landscape.
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