4 November 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Mukesh Ambani-led Jio Platforms is exploring potential international partnerships with major US cable and telecommunications companies Comcast and Charter Communications to expand the global reach of its wireless broadband technology. According to a Reuters report, the discussions involve licensing Jio’s technology in exchange for possible equity stakes in the partner companies.
The proposed arrangement could open the door for Jio to enter the US broadband market without having to build and operate its own network infrastructure there. However, the discussions are at an exploratory stage, and there is currently no confirmed agreement or timeline for a potential deal.
Jio Discusses Partnerships With Comcast and Charter
Two people familiar with the matter told Reuters that Jio Platforms has held discussions with Comcast and Charter Communications over licensing its wireless broadband technology. Under the proposed technology-for-equity model, Jio could provide access to its technology in return for potential stakes in the companies.
Neither Comcast nor Charter has publicly confirmed the discussions. Their spokespersons declined to comment when approached by Reuters, while Jio did not respond to the news agency’s queries.
The financial terms of any possible arrangement have not been disclosed. It also remains unclear what size of equity stake could be involved or whether the discussions will eventually result in formal agreements.
What Is Jio’s Unlicensed Band Radio Technology?
At the centre of the proposed partnerships is Jio’s Unlicensed Band Radio (UBR) technology. The system uses unlicensed wireless frequencies, which are available without the need to purchase expensive licensed telecom spectrum.
Unlike conventional broadband connections that depend on cables reaching individual homes, the technology uses transmitters installed on nearby towers or rooftops. These transmitters send internet signals over Wi-Fi frequencies to receivers fitted on buildings, allowing high-speed broadband connectivity without laying traditional cable connections to every property.
The approach could help telecom and cable companies reduce the cost of expanding broadband services, particularly in areas where installing fibre infrastructure is expensive or difficult.
Jio has described the technology as a major innovation and is looking to license it to operators in different international markets.
Why Comcast and Charter Could Be Interested
The discussions come at a time when the US home broadband market is facing growing competition from fibre networks and fixed-wireless services offered by telecom operators.
Cable companies have traditionally held a significant share of the American broadband market. However, providers such as Comcast and Charter have been losing some customers to alternative internet services.
A partnership with Jio could give these companies access to a wireless broadband platform that may help them offer internet services at lower costs and compete more effectively with fibre and fixed-wireless providers.
According to figures cited in the Reuters report, Comcast had approximately 28.3 million residential broadband customers at the end of September, while Charter reported around 29.4 million internet customers in June. Both companies are facing competitive pressure from other broadband technologies.
Neil Shah, director at Hong Kong-based Counterpoint Research, said the technology could be attractive because operators would be able to deliver cellular-quality broadband without having to purchase additional telecom spectrum.
Jio Also Held Talks With South Africa’s MTN
Apart from the US companies, Jio Platforms also held discussions with South Africa-based MTN Group regarding a possible technology partnership.
However, those negotiations did not move forward. According to people familiar with the discussions, the two sides were unable to reach an agreement over valuation and certain licensing-related issues.
One source said MTN was unable to persuade Jio to make an investment at a valuation considered satisfactory. MTN declined to comment on market speculation.
The developments indicate that Jio is exploring different partnership structures as it looks to take its broadband technology beyond India.
Target of 10 to 15 International Partners
Jio has indicated that it wants to work with around 10 to 15 international partners for its UBR technology platform. Instead of building networks independently in overseas markets, the company is looking to license its technology and work with established telecom and broadband operators.
The international expansion strategy is being led by executives including Dan Bailey, a former Deutsche Bank technology, media and telecom executive, and long-time Jio leader Mathew Oommen.
Jio Platforms is India’s largest telecom company, with more than 500 million subscribers. It also has nearly 15 million wired broadband users, while Reliance has said that more than 6.5 million users are already being served through its UBR-powered technology.
Akash Ambani Signals Selective Global Expansion
Jio Managing Director Akash Ambani has also indicated that the company intends to take its technology to both developed and developing markets, while remaining selective about where it expands.
Speaking during an analyst interaction, he said Jio wants to build a technology-led international business rather than simply replicate its domestic network model overseas.
The discussions with Comcast and Charter could represent an important step in that strategy if they lead to formal partnerships. However, the outcome remains uncertain, and no final agreement has been announced.
For now, Jio’s approach reflects an effort to turn its broadband technology into an international business through licensing and strategic collaborations, while giving established operators access to an alternative way of delivering high-speed internet.