Jio and SES formed a joint venture to provide satellite-based broadband services

On Monday, Jio Platforms and SES, a global provider of satellite-based content connectivity solutions, announced the formation of a joint venture to provide next-generation affordable broadband services via satellite technology. In the joint venture dubbed Jio Space Technology Limited, JPL and SES will own 51% and 49% equity stakes, respectively.

The joint company will use multi-orbit space networks that combine geostationary (GEO) and medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite constellations. Jio Space will be able to provide corporations, mobile backhaul, and retail users across the country with multi-gigabit connectivity and capacity.

SES satellite data and networking services will be provided by Jio Space across the country. SES will provide up to 100 Gbps of bandwidth, and it will take advantage of Jio's top position.

Jio Space would build a large gateway infrastructure across the country to supply services as part of the investment strategy. Jio has signed a multi-year capacity purchase agreement with a $100 million total contract value.

To supplement Jio's terrestrial network, Jio Space will use SES' high-throughput GEO satellite SES-12 serving India and its next-generation MEO constellation O3b mPOWER.

The joint venture, according to the firms, will connect India's and the region's unconnected areas, providing access to remote health, government services, and distance learning opportunities.

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. 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."

SES CEO Steve Collar 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."

The joint venture also corresponds with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Gati Shakti: National Master Plan for Multi-modal Connectivity,' which aims to provide integrated and seamless connectivity, according to the corporations.