Reliance Jio, the leading telecom giant in India, has revealed its strategic plan to expand its high-speed internet reach beyond the country’s borders. Instead of establishing itself as a direct telecom services provider in overseas markets, Jio will focus on exporting its Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technology as a managed service. This approach leverages the company’s significant investments and expertise in delivering cost-effective, large-scale telecom infrastructure.
Jio’s decision is driven by the immense potential it sees in FWA, particularly with the widespread adoption of 5G technology. The company has already deployed close to 1 million 5G sites across India and considers FWA as a key growth driver, both in India and internationally.
The company’s strategy is centered around providing its FWA technology as a complete package to other market players, including telecom operators and internet service providers. This managed service model allows Jio to leverage its expertise in building and managing high-speed internet infrastructure while also offering its technology solutions to other companies.
Jio’s FWA service, branded as JioAirFiber, has already gained significant traction in India, with over 2.8 million connections out of the total 6 million FWA connections in the country. The company’s ambitious goal is to add 1 million new FWA users every month.
The global FWA market is poised for substantial growth, with estimates projecting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 13.4% between 2024 and 2032. This signifies a substantial market opportunity for Jio, which aims to capitalize on its technological prowess and infrastructure expertise to secure a foothold in the global FWA landscape.
While Jio is primarily focusing on the managed service model, the company has not ruled out the possibility of entering specific overseas markets directly. However, the company believes that there is a significant opportunity for growth in India before venturing into international markets.
Jio’s foray into the global FWA market is a testament to its commitment to innovation and expansion. The company’s managed service approach allows it to leverage its expertise and infrastructure capabilities while also offering valuable technology solutions to other companies. As the global FWA market continues to expand, Jio is well-positioned to be a major player, driving the adoption of high-speed internet connectivity across the globe.
