Jio Platforms, controlled by Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, is exploring partnerships with major international telecom and broadband companies to take its proprietary wireless broadband technology to global markets. The company has held discussions with US-based Comcast and Charter Communications over a possible technology-for-equity arrangement.
Under the proposed arrangement, Jio could license its broadband technology to the companies in exchange for potential equity stakes in their businesses. The discussions are ongoing, and there is no confirmed timeline for reaching an agreement. The financial details of any potential deal have also not been disclosed.
Jio also held discussions with South Africa’s MTN Group, but those talks reportedly broke down over differences in valuation and licensing terms.
Jio’s Global Broadband Expansion Strategy
The discussions form part of Jio’s strategy to expand its technology business internationally. Instead of investing in and building telecom networks in overseas markets, the company is looking to partner with established operators and license its technology.
Jio has indicated that it is targeting 10 to 15 international partners for its Unlicensed Band Radio (UBR) platform. The company plans to selectively enter both developed and developing markets, with the United States emerging as a key opportunity.
Jio Managing Director Akash Ambani has said the company wants to build a technology-led business in international markets.
How Jio’s UBR Technology Works
Jio’s Unlicensed Band Radio technology uses unlicensed Wi-Fi frequency bands to deliver high-speed broadband connectivity to homes without requiring conventional cable connections.
The system uses transmitters installed on nearby towers or rooftops to send wireless signals to receivers fitted on buildings. This approach could help operators extend broadband coverage while reducing infrastructure costs.
For companies such as Comcast and Charter, the technology could offer an alternative way to deliver home internet services as they face growing competition from fibre and fixed wireless broadband providers.
US Broadband Market Offers Opportunity
The US market is a significant opportunity for Jio as traditional cable operators face pressure from telecom companies and satellite broadband providers.
Comcast had around 28.3 million residential broadband customers at the end of September, while Charter reported approximately 29.4 million internet customers in June. Both companies have been facing customer losses to competing fibre and fixed wireless services.
Jio’s UBR technology could help these operators offer broadband services at lower costs by using spectrum that does not require a conventional telecom spectrum purchase.
Jio Targets 10–15 Global Partners
Jio has more than 500 million telecom subscribers in India and over 6.5 million users on its UBR-powered broadband platform. The company also has nearly 15 million wired broadband users.
The international expansion initiative is being led by executives including Dan Bailey, former chairman of Deutsche Bank’s technology, media and telecom practice, and senior Jio executive Mathew Oommen.
If the discussions with Comcast or Charter lead to agreements, they could give Jio a route into the US broadband market and create new opportunities to monetise its technology internationally. However, the talks remain at an exploratory stage, with no deal confirmed.
