Jio To Provide Satellite-Based Broadband Services In India, Announces Joint Venture With SES

Last Updated on February 14, 2022 by Anu Joy

Jio Platforms (JPL) has announced a joint venture with SES, a Luxembourg-based satellite services provider, to provide satellite-based broadband services in India. The joint venture, formed as Jio Space Technology Limited, will use multi-orbit space networks to connect internet users across the country and neighbouring regions. Read on to learn more about the JPL-SES joint venture.

Jio Space Technology Limited: All You Need To Know About The JPL-SES Joint Venture

Digital services company Jio Platforms (JPL) has tied up with Luxembourg’s SES to form a joint venture, Jio Space Technology Limited, to expand next-generation broadband services in the country, leveraging satellite technology. SES is a leading satellite telecommunications provider, having more than 70 satellites launched on two different orbits. A joint statement released by the telecom companies said that Jio Platforms will own 51 percent whereas SES will own 49 percent equity stake in the joint venture.

“The joint venture will be the vehicle for providing SES’s satellite data and connectivity services in India, except for certain international aeronautical and maritime customers who may be served by SES. It will have availability of up to 100 Gbps capacity from SES and will leverage Jio’s premiere position and sales reach in India to unlock this market opportunity”, the official statement said.

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As a part of the investment plan, the JPL-SES joint venture will use multi-orbit space networks using 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 India and neighbouring regions.

“Jio, as an anchor customer of the joint venture, has entered into a multi-year capacity purchase agreement, based on certain milestones along with gateways and equipment purchase with total contract value of circa $100 million (roughly ₹750 crore)”, according to the statement.

Jio Director Akash Ambani 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.”

He further added, “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”.

What are your thoughts on the Jio-SES joint venture to provide satellite-based broadband services in India? Let us know in the comments section below.