Jio Platforms is in discussions with US cable operators Comcast and Charter Communications to license its UBR technology in exchange for potential equity stakes
The talks come as Jio pushes to expand its wireless broadband technology overseas through partnerships, with the company targeting 10-15 global partners
Jio's discussions with South Africa's MTN Group fell through over valuation and licensing issues, while the company recently made its stock market debut at a 21.36% premium to its IPO price
Recently listed Jio Platforms has held discussions with US cable operators Comcast and Charter Communications about licensing its wireless broadband technology in exchange for potential equity stakes.
According to a Reuters report, the discussions are part of the Reliance Industries-controlled company’s overseas expansion plans, centred on selling its proprietary unlicensed band radio (UBR) technology to foreign operators rather than building networks abroad.
Jio is targeting 10-15 global partners for the technology, which delivers high-speed internet to buildings without requiring cable connections to individual homes.
However, there is no timeline for reaching an agreement with any of the companies it has approached, the report said.
Jio also held discussions with South Africa’s MTN Group, but the talks fell through after the two sides failed to agree on valuation and certain licensing issues. The report cited one of the sources as saying that MTN could not persuade Jio to invest at a valuation acceptable to the Indian company.
Inc42 has reached out to Jio Platforms, Comcast and Charter Communications for comments on the development. The story will be updated on receiving their responses.
Jio’s UBR platform operates on free, unlicensed Wi-Fi frequencies. It uses transmitters installed on nearby towers or rooftops to beam internet to receivers fitted on buildings.
The technology could help operators deliver broadband without laying cables to individual homes or relying on licensed mobile spectrum. Reliance has described it as a global first.
A partnership with Comcast or Charter could give Jio access to the US residential broadband market, where cable operators are facing growing competition from fibre and fixed wireless services.
Comcast had around 28.3 Mn residential broadband customers at the end of September, while Charter had approximately 29.4 Mn internet customers in June. Both companies have been losing customers to fixed wireless and fibre providers.
Last month, Jio made its stock market debut following a $3.2 Bn IPO, listing at a 21.36% premium to the issue price of ₹1,119 on BSE and NSE.
Jio Platforms reported a net profit of ₹8,387 Cr in Q2 FY27, up 13.7% from ₹7,375 Cr in the year-ago quarter. Sequentially, profit rose 8% from ₹7,764 Cr.
During its earnings call, Jio Platforms MD Akash Ambani said the company wanted to take UBR to both developed and developing markets but would be selective about where it expands.
“We want to be a technology-led business there,” he said, highlighting the potential of the US market.
Jio added 9.1 Mn customers on a net basis during the quarter, taking its subscriber base to 542.4 Mn. It also reported 300 Mn 5G subscribers.
Source: Inc42
