Jio Platforms is reportedly exploring a new route into the US broadband market. According to a Tele Net report, the Reliance Industries-controlled company has held talks with Comcast and Charter Communications about licensing its wireless broadband technology in return for possible equity stakes.

The discussions show how Jio is trying to turn its home-grown broadband technology into an international business.

What the reported Jio deal involves

The talks are said to involve Jio’s wireless broadband platform, also called unlicensed band radio technology. Rather than running a cable all the way to every home, the system uses radio equipment placed on nearby towers or rooftops to send internet connectivity to receivers installed at buildings.

The technology uses unlicensed Wi-Fi frequencies, which are open for permitted public use and do not require an operator to buy costly exclusive spectrum. In theory, this can reduce the time and expense involved in expanding broadband coverage.

A potential arrangement could involve Comcast or Charter licensing Jio’s technology. The discussions may also include an equity component, but the financial terms have not been disclosed.

Why Comcast and Charter may be interested

Comcast and Charter are major US broadband providers. Their traditional strength has been cable internet, where a physical connection is laid to homes and businesses. However, the broadband market is changing as customers increasingly get more options from fibre networks and fixed wireless providers.

Fixed wireless broadband delivers internet through radio signals rather than a cable connection directly reaching every home. Jio’s platform could give US providers another tool for serving areas where extending cable or fibre is expensive, slow or impractical.

For example, a suburban neighbourhood with limited cable infrastructure may be able to receive broadband through wireless equipment installed on a nearby site. That does not mean wireless will replace fibre everywhere, but it can be useful where rapid rollout or lower installation cost matters more.

What Jio could gain from a US partnership

For Jio, a tie-up with Comcast or Charter would offer more than technology licensing revenue. It could provide a foothold in one of the world’s largest and most competitive broadband markets.

Jio has already built a large telecom and broadband business in India. Taking its technology overseas would help the company show that it can become a telecom technology supplier, rather than remaining only a network operator.

The report also said Jio is targeting 10 to 15 global partners for the platform. That suggests the company is looking at a wider international strategy instead of relying on a single large partnership.

The reported talks with South Africa’s MTN Group did not progress because of disagreements over valuation and licensing terms. This underlines an important point – converting technology discussions into a commercial deal can be difficult, especially when ownership, valuation and market rights are involved.

Benefits and challenges of wireless broadband

A wireless broadband system can be quicker to deploy than digging roads and laying cables. It may help operators connect homes in areas where fibre construction is expensive. It can also give customers another option where they have limited broadband choices.

However, unlicensed spectrum is shared. Network performance may be affected by congestion, local interference and the availability of suitable equipment. The service quality will depend on signal conditions, network planning and the distance between the transmitter and the customer’s building.

This is why Jio’s technology would likely complement cable and fibre networks, not replace them completely.