Mukesh Ambani and Elon Musk Are Both Innovators And Disruptors In Their Own Ways: Jio CEO On Jio-SpaceX Starlink Deal

Indian telecom major, Reliance Jio has announced a partnership with Elon Musk’s Starlink to provide satellite internet services in India. Mathew Oommen, Group CEO of Reliance Jio, said in an exclusive interaction with Outlook Business that the conglomerate welcomes partnerships with companies that bring advanced technology or unique capabilities to ensure that every Indian and business has access to the best technology.  

“Mukesh Ambani and Elon Musk are both innovators and disruptors in their own ways, empowering lives across the world. At Reliance, we strongly believe in both competition and collaboration,” said Oommen while talking about Jio’s collaboration with Elon Musk-owned SpaceX.  

Jio and SpaceX are exploring how Starlink can extend Jio’s offerings and how Jio can complement SpaceX’s direct offerings to consumers and businesses, Jio will make Starlink solutions available through its retail outlets as well as through its online storefronts, as mentioned in the official statement by Jio. The partnership agreement will come into force after Starlink receives the government’s nod to sell its satellite internet services in the country.  

“We welcome partnerships with companies that bring advanced technology or unique capabilities to ensure every Indian and business has access to the best technology, along with choice and flexibility,” said Jio CEO to Outlook Business.  

While both the telecom majors, Jio and Bharti Airtel have announced the tie-ups with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer Starlink’s broadband internet services, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India is yet to confirm the allocation of spectrum price for satcom services. However, it has been previously assured by Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia that the spectrum will be allocated as per the global standards set by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).

Reliance Jio’s latest partnership follows a prior difference in approach with SpaceX and other telecom companies over spectrum allocation for satellite services. While Jio had advocated for an auction-based model, Elon Musk’s Starlink and other telecom companies had a preference for administrative allocation, mirroring global norms.

Starlink operates a network of low Earth orbit satellites designed to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet. Industry reports suggest that Starlink’s satellite technology could help in bridging India’s digital divide, bringing broadband connectivity to remote villages and underserved regions. "Our collaboration with SpaceX to bring Starlink to India strengthens our commitment and marks a transformative step toward seamless broadband connectivity for all," added Oommen.