Jio Platforms, SES form JV to deliver satellite-based broadband services across India

Jio Platforms, the digital arm of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) and SES, a leading global satellite-based content connectivity solutions provider, on Monday announced the establishment of a joint venture — Jio Space Technology Ltd — to deliver the next generation scalable and affordable broadband services in India leveraging statellite technology.

Jio Platforms and SES will own 51 percent and 49 percent equity stake in the JV respectively. The joint venture will use multi-orbit space networks that is a combination of geostationary (GEO) and medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite constellations capable of delivering multi-gigabit links and capacity to enterprises, mobile backhaul and retail customers across the length and breadth of India and neighbouring regions, the release added.

“While we continue to expand our fibre-based connectivity and FTTH business and invest in 5G, this new joint venture with SES will further accelerate the growth of multigigabit broadband. With additional coverage and capacity offered by satellite communications services, Jio will be able to connect the remotest towns and villages, enterprises, government establishments, and consumers to the new Digital India. We are excited about this new journey combining our massive reach and customer base with SES’s innovative leadership and expertise in the satellite industry,” Akash Ambani, Director of Jio, said in a company release.