Reliance Jio Partners with SpaceX for Hybrid 5G-Starlink Rural Co...

Reliance Jio announced a strategic partnership with SpaceX to deploy a hybrid network combining Jio 5G terrestrial infrastructure with Starlink low-Earth orbit satellite backhaul for rural and remote areas across India where laying fibre is economically unviable. The partnership will cover an estimated 250,000 villages with reliable broadband within three years. Jio subscribers in covered areas will experience seamless handoff between terrestrial 5G and satellite connectivity managed by a unified network management platform. The venture will use direct-to-device satellite connectivity available from the next generation of Starlink satellites, allowing compatible smartphones to connect to the satellite layer without a dish receiver. Analysts estimate the partnership could bring reliable connectivity to India 200 million most digitally excluded residents and create a template replicated by telecoms across Africa and Southeast Asia.