Mumbai: Jio Platforms is in talks with global telecom and cable companies, including Comcast and Charter Communications, to license its wireless broadband technology in exchange for possible equity stakes, according to people familiar with the discussions.
The company has been shopping its unlicensed band radio (UBR) system, which uses unlicensed Wi-Fi frequencies to push high-speed broadband through transmitters mounted on towers or rooftops, with no cable run into the home. For US cable operators losing broadband subscribers to fibre and fixed wireless rivals, the pitch is cheaper deployment.
Comcast had about 28.3 million residential broadband customers at the end of September and Charter around 29.4 million internet customers in June, both losing ground.
Talks with South Africa's MTN Group fell through over valuation and licensing terms, the people said. There is no timetable for an agreement with any of the companies approached.
Jio listed in Mumbai last week after a record $3.2 billion initial public offering, and has said it is targeting 10 to 15 global partners for its technology platform. It has nearly 15 million wired broadband users in India, and Reliance says UBR-powered users have crossed 6.5 million.
Managing director Akash Ambani has said the company wants to take UBR to developed and developing markets while staying selective about where it expands, and intends to operate overseas as a technology business rather than build its own networks in foreign markets.
The international push is being led by Dan Bailey, a former Deutsche Bank technology, media and telecom executive, and senior company executive Mathew Oommen.
The move comes as Indian telecom firms look abroad for growth beyond a crowded home market of three private players, where average revenue per user is the number everyone watches.