The new joint venture will extend network reach by leveraging SES's satellites in both geostationary and medium earth orbits, including O3b mPOWER.
India-based digital service provider Jio Platforms Limited and SES have formed a joint venture for satellite-based broadband services. Jio Platforms will own 51% and SES 49% in the JV firm, Jio Space Technology Limited.
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 joint venture will be the vehicle for providing SESs 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 Jios position and sales reach in India to unlock this market opportunity.
As part of the investment plan, the joint venture will develop extensive gateway infrastructure in India to provide services within the country. 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 purchases with a total contract value of circa $100m.
The joint venture will leverage SES-12, SESs high-throughput GEO satellite serving India, and O3b mPOWER, SESs next-generation MEO constellation, to extend Jios terrestrial network, increasing access to digital services and applications. Jio will offer managed services and gateway infrastructure operations services to the joint venture.
This joint venture aims to be a catalyst for connecting the unconnected areas within India and the region to the full range of digital services, offering access to remote health, government services, and distance learning opportunities.
Commenting on the partnership, Akash Ambani, Director of Jio, 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 SESs innovative leadership and expertise in the satellite industry.”
Steve Collar, CEO of SES, added: “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.”
