Jio Platforms in Talks With Comcast and Charter to License Broadband Technology: Report

Jio Platforms, the recently listed company controlled by Reliance Industries, has reportedly held discussions with US cable operators Comcast and Charter Communications to license its wireless broadband technology in exchange for potential equity stakes.

According to a Reuters report, two people familiar with the discussions said Jio has approached several international companies as part of its plans to expand overseas through technology licensing rather than building its own telecom networks abroad. Reuters

The company is targeting 10-15 global partners for its proprietary unlicensed band radio (UBR) technology, which delivers high-speed internet connectivity to buildings without requiring individual cable connections to homes.

However, there is no timeline for reaching an agreement with Comcast, Charter or any other company approached by Jio.

The reported discussions remain at an exploratory stage, with no confirmed partnership or equity transaction announced.

Jio’s Discussions With MTN Group End Over Valuation Differences

Jio also held discussions with South Africa’s MTN Group as part of its international expansion plans.

However, the talks ended after the two companies failed to agree on valuation and certain technology licensing issues.

According to a source familiar with the discussions, MTN could not persuade Jio to invest at a valuation acceptable to the Indian company.

The financial details of the proposed arrangement were not disclosed.

MTN Group said it does not comment on market speculation.

Jio Platforms did not respond to Reuters’ queries, while representatives of Comcast and Charter Communications declined to comment.

Jio Plans to Expand UBR Technology Across International Markets

Jio’s UBR technology operates on free, unlicensed Wi-Fi frequencies and uses transmitters installed on nearby towers or rooftops to deliver high-speed internet to receivers fitted on buildings.

The system allows operators to provide broadband connectivity without laying cables to individual homes or relying on licensed mobile spectrum.

Reliance Industries has described the technology as a global first.

As reported by Business Today, Jio plans to expand internationally through technology licensing arrangements rather than developing and operating its own networks in overseas markets. Business Today

The company’s international expansion is being led by Dan Bailey, a former Deutsche Bank technology, media and telecom executive, and senior company executive Mathew Oommen.

During the company’s earnings call, Jio Platforms MD Akash Ambani said Jio intended to introduce UBR technology in both developed and developing markets while remaining selective about its expansion.

Comcast and Charter Face Competition in US Broadband Market

A potential partnership with Comcast or Charter Communications could provide Jio with access to the US residential broadband market.

Both companies face growing competition from fibre and fixed wireless broadband providers.

Comcast had approximately 28.3 Mn residential broadband customers at the end of September, while Charter Communications had around 29.4 Mn internet customers in June.

Both operators have been losing customers to competing broadband services.

Jio’s technology could offer another way for these companies to deliver internet connectivity without extending physical cable connections to individual homes.

However, neither company has confirmed an agreement to adopt Jio’s technology.

Jio Platforms Made Stock Market Debut Following $3.2 Bn IPO

Jio Platforms made its stock market debut last week following a $3.2 Bn initial public offering (IPO).

The company listed on the BSE and NSE at a 21.36% premium to its issue price of Rs 1,119.

The company’s overseas technology licensing discussions come shortly after its public market debut.

A Reuters report published by The Economic Times also confirmed that Jio is exploring potential technology-for-equity arrangements with international operators, with no timetable established for concluding a deal. The Economic Times

Jio Platforms Reports Rs 8,387 Cr Profit in Q2 FY27

Jio Platforms reported a net profit of Rs 8,387 Cr in Q2 FY27, an increase of 13.7% from Rs 7,375 Cr in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

On a sequential basis, the company’s net profit increased 8% from Rs 7,764 Cr in the preceding quarter.

The company also recorded growth in its subscriber base during the quarter.

Jio added 9.1 Mn customers on a net basis, taking its total subscriber base to 542.4 Mn.

Its 5G subscriber base reached 300 Mn.

Separately, Jio has nearly 15 Mn wired broadband users in India, while Reliance said the number of UBR-powered users has crossed 6.5 Mn.

The company is now looking to extend the reach of its broadband technology through international partnerships, although the reported discussions with Comcast and Charter Communications have not resulted in announced agreements.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is Jio Platforms in talks with Comcast and Charter Communications?

Jio is reportedly exploring agreements to license its wireless broadband technology in exchange for potential equity stakes.

2. What is Jio’s UBR technology?

Unlicensed band radio (UBR) technology uses unlicensed Wi-Fi frequencies to deliver broadband connectivity through transmitters installed on towers or rooftops.

3. How many international partners is Jio targeting?

Jio is targeting 10-15 global partners for its broadband technology.

4. Why did Jio’s talks with MTN Group fail?

The discussions ended because the companies could not agree on valuation and certain licensing terms.

5. What was Jio Platforms’ net profit in Q2 FY27?

Jio Platforms reported a net profit of Rs 8,387 Cr, up 13.7% from Rs 7,375 Cr in the year-ago quarter.