Jio explores tech-for-equity talks with Comcast, Charter Communications

Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani's telecommunications company, Jio Platforms, has been in discussions with American tech giants Comcast and Charter Communications regarding the licensing of its wireless broadband technology in exchange for equity stakes, according to sources. Jio also met with South Africa's MTN Group, but negotiations did not progress due to disagreements on valuation and licensing terms.

Reuters could not confirm the timeline for potential deals with any of these parties. Jio, which recently went public in Mumbai with an IPO valued at $3.2 billion, has been actively exploring international expansion using its proprietary broadband technology, known as unlicensed band radio (UBR). This technology enables high-speed internet delivery to homes at lower costs compared to traditional cable networks or mobile-based services.

By partnering with Comcast or Charter, Jio aims to establish a presence in the United States, where cable companies are experiencing a decline in home broadband subscribers to fixed wireless and fiber services. The UBR technology operates over unlicensed Wi-Fi frequencies, allowing for cheaper deployment of broadband services. While Comcast and Charter have declined to comment on the matter, industry experts suggest that Jio's UBR technology could provide these cable companies with a cost-effective means of offering broadband services.