Under the terms of the joint venture, JPL and SES will own 51% and 49% equity stake, respectively. Specifically, the joint venture will use multi-orbit space networks made up of a combination of geostationary (GEO) and medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite constellations to deliver multi-gigabit connectivity to enterprises, mobile backhaul and retail customers across India.
“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," said Akash Ambani (pictured), director of Jio.
"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.”
The joint venture will serve as the vehicle to launch SES’ satellite data and connectivity services in India, excluding select international aeronautical and maritime customers who will be served by SES. Once live, the network will have up to 100Gbps capacity available from SES and will use Jio’s market position and sales reach in India.
As part of the company's investment plan, Jio Space Technology Limited will develop further infrastructure in India to provide services within the country. Jio, will act as the anchor customer of the joint venture through a multi-year capacity purchase agreement, valued at approximately $100 million.
“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," said Steve Collar, CEO of SES.
The joint venture will leverage SES’ SES-12 GEO satellite serving India, and O3b mPOWER, SES’ MEO constellation, to bolster Jio’s terrestrial networks. In addition, Jio will offer managed services and gateway infrastructure operations services to the joint venture.
The news also comes in line with the Prime Minister Gati Shakti's National Master Plan for Multi-modal Connectivity initiative to provide integrated and seamless connectivity by implementing diverse infrastructure.
