Jio, SES create Indian satellite broadband JV – Jio Space Technology

Jio Platforms Limited (JPL), a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited, has created a 51:49 satellite broadband joint venture (JV) called Jio Space Technology with SES, a Luxembourgish satellite-based content connectivity solutions provider.

Jio Space Technology will be engaged in providing satellite broadband services in India.

The joint venture will utilize multi-orbit space networks — a combination of geostationary (GEO) and medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite constellations for providing multi-gigabit links and capacity to enterprises, mobile backhaul and retail customers throughout India and neighbouring areas.

Steve Collar — CEO of SES said: “This joint venture with JPL is a great example of how SES can complement even the most extensive terrestrial networks to deliver high-quality connectivity, and positively affect the lives of hundreds of millions of people.

“We look forward to this joint venture whereby we can play a role in promoting digital inclusion in India.”

Jio Space Technology will be the vehicle for bringing SES’s satellite data and connectivity services in India with the exception of some international aeronautical and maritime customers who could be served by the Luxembourgish firm.

SES will provide a capacity of up to 100 Gbps to the satellite broadband joint venture.

Jio Space Technology is planned to use Jio Platform’s position and sales reach in India to tap the market opportunity.

The joint venture will build widespread gateway infrastructure in India.

Jio Platforms will be the anchor customer of the joint venture. The fully-owned subsidiary of Reliance Industries has forged a multi-year capacity purchase deal worth around $100 million, based on some milestones and the purchase of gateways and equipment.

Furthermore, Jio Space Technology will make use of SES’ GEO satellite called SES-12 which will serve India and O3b mPOWER, the Luxembourg-based firm’s next-generation MEO constellation to extend and complement the terrestrial network of Jio Platforms.

The new satellite broadband joint venture will be provided managed services and gateway infrastructure operations services by the Reliance Industries subsidiary.

Akash Ambani — Director of Jio Platforms said: “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.”

Recently, Jio Platforms acquired a stake of 25% in Two Platforms, a deep tech startup for $15 million.