Jio Platforms, controlled by billionaire Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries, is exploring opportunities to expand its wireless broadband technology into the United States through potential partnerships with major American internet service providers Comcast and Charter Communications.
According to a Reuters report published on November 3, 2026, Jio has held discussions with the two companies about licensing its proprietary wireless broadband technology in exchange for potential equity stakes in their businesses. The proposed arrangements could provide Jio with an entry point into the highly competitive US broadband market without requiring the Indian company to build and operate its own network infrastructure overseas.
However, the discussions are still at an exploratory stage. People familiar with the matter told Reuters that there is no confirmed timetable for reaching an agreement. Jio did not respond to Reuters' questions, while representatives of Comcast and Charter declined to comment.
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Jio's wireless broadband technology
The proposed international expansion centres on Jio's Unlicensed Band Radio (UBR) technology. Unlike conventional broadband networks that depend on physical cable connections to individual homes, this system uses wireless transmitters installed on nearby towers or rooftops to deliver internet connectivity.
The transmitters send broadband signals using unlicensed Wi-Fi frequencies to receivers installed at buildings. This approach could reduce the need for extensive last-mile cabling and help internet providers lower infrastructure costs.
Another potential advantage is that operators can use unlicensed frequencies instead of purchasing expensive licensed mobile spectrum for this type of service.
According to the Reuters report, the technology could be particularly attractive to broadband providers seeking alternatives to traditional cable networks and mobile-based fixed wireless services.
Why Comcast and Charter are important
Comcast and Charter Communications are among the major broadband providers in the United States. Both companies operate extensive cable internet networks and serve millions of residential customers.
However, the American broadband market is undergoing significant changes. Telecommunications companies are expanding fibre broadband and fixed wireless services, while satellite-based internet providers are also competing for customers.
This competition has increased pressure on traditional cable operators to improve service quality, manage costs and retain subscribers.
According to figures cited in the Reuters report, Comcast had approximately 28.3 million residential broadband customers at the end of September 2026. Charter had around 29.4 million internet customers in June 2026.
Both companies have faced customer losses to competing broadband technologies, including fibre and fixed wireless services.
A partnership with Jio could give these operators access to an alternative wireless broadband delivery system. If commercially successful, the technology could help them expand connectivity in areas where conventional cable deployment is expensive or difficult.
Jio's international expansion strategy
Jio's discussions with Comcast and Charter are part of a broader strategy to take its technology beyond India.
Instead of directly investing in building telecom networks in every overseas market, the company is exploring technology licensing arrangements with established operators. This approach could allow Jio to generate revenue from its technology while working with partners that already have local customers, infrastructure and market knowledge.
Jio has indicated that it is targeting approximately 10 to 15 international partners for its UBR technology platform.
During an analyst interaction, Jio Managing Director Akash Ambani reportedly said the company was interested in both developed and developing markets but would be selective about the countries and partnerships it pursues.
He also highlighted the potential of the US market, pointing to capacity constraints in parts of the country's fixed wireless broadband sector.
Earlier discussions with South Africa's MTN
Jio has also explored a potential partnership with South Africa-based MTN Group.
However, those discussions reportedly ended after the two companies failed to reach an agreement on valuation and certain technology licensing issues.
The breakdown of the MTN discussions indicates that Jio's international expansion plans may involve negotiations over more than simply granting access to its technology. Valuation, ownership arrangements, commercial terms and the responsibilities of each partner are also likely to influence whether a deal moves forward.
The financial details of the proposed arrangements with Comcast and Charter have not been disclosed.
Jio's existing broadband presence
Jio has already established a substantial broadband business in India through its wireless and wired connectivity services.
The company has more than 500 million subscribers across its telecom business and nearly 15 million wired broadband users, according to figures reported by Reuters.
Reliance has also said that users of its UBR-powered broadband service have crossed 6.5 million. This existing user base provides Jio with operating experience that could support its efforts to license the technology internationally.
The company is also positioning itself as a technology provider rather than limiting its business model to telecom connectivity services.
What a US partnership could mean
If an agreement is reached, the proposed arrangement could create opportunities for both Jio and its American partners.
For Jio, licensing its technology could open a new international revenue stream and establish a presence in one of the world's largest broadband markets. An equity-based arrangement could also provide a financial interest in the businesses using its technology, depending on the final terms.
For Comcast and Charter, the technology could offer another way to deliver home broadband while managing infrastructure and spectrum costs.
Nevertheless, several factors will determine whether the discussions become commercial agreements. These include technical compatibility, network performance, regulatory requirements, deployment costs and the financial terms negotiated by the companies.
For now, the discussions remain preliminary, and no formal partnership has been announced. The developments nevertheless highlight Jio's ambition to expand its role in the global telecommunications industry through technology licensing and international collaborations.
