As Jio completes its first decade of transforming India’s connectivity sector, the company is now moving beyond telecom services and building itself as a broader Indian technology company. Its next phase will focus on network software, digital platforms, intellectual property, artificial intelligence, cloud technology and enterprise solutions developed in India.
Jio’s Focus Shifts to Technology
During its first 10 years, Jio’s growth was mainly measured through its customer base, data usage, network expansion and the reduction in mobile internet costs. The company is now taking a different approach by developing technology itself as a key product.
Jio Platforms Managing Director Akash Ambani said during the company’s 10th anniversary that Jio is developing its own technologies in areas such as connectivity, digital products, enterprise solutions and AI. The company also aims to take these technologies to international markets.
From Using Networks to Building Network Technology
When Jio entered the Indian telecom market in 2016, much of the technology used by telecom companies came from international suppliers. Jio has since developed its own 5G core and OSS/BSS systems, which help manage network operations, service activation and billing.
The company later expanded into an end-to-end 5G technology stack covering the core, radio and network operations software. Its technology is based on a Standalone 5G architecture, allowing Jio to test and improve its systems on a large scale.
Jio launched its 5G services in October 2022 and expanded them across India within 15 months, by December 2023. By March 2026, the company had more than 268 million 5G users, with 5G accounting for around 55 percent of its wireless data traffic. According to Reliance’s FY2025-26 disclosures, Jio had more than 524 million total customers.
Large Network Helps Test New Technology
Jio’s large customer base is important not only because of the number of users. Its live network gives the company a large real-world environment to test, improve and develop its own technologies.
Jio Builds a Large Patent Portfolio
The company’s growing patent portfolio is another sign of its shift towards technology development.
As of March 31, 2026, Jio Platforms and its subsidiaries had filed 6,817 patents covering areas including 4G, 5G, 6G, AI and cloud technology. Of these, 1,009 patents had received international recognition.
In 2026, Jio Platforms ranked among the top 20 global companies in the 2025 Patent Cooperation Treaty rankings. The company ranked 12th after increasing the number of PCT applications published during the year.
Growing Focus on Intellectual Property
The patent growth shows Jio’s move from mainly using technology developed by others to creating its own technology and intellectual property. The company can then deploy, license and commercialise these technologies across different markets.
Engineering Team Drives Technology Push
Jio’s growing technology focus is also reflected in its workforce. According to the company, 11,303 employees are part of its engineering and technology teams, making up around 40 percent of its total workforce.
With its focus on AI, cloud, 5G, digital platforms, patents and enterprise solutions, Jio is positioning its second decade around technology development rather than telecom connectivity alone.
