Stories
Jio takes UBR technology abroad to deliver internet to homes without fiber
- •Jio's UBR technology enables wireless broadband delivery to homes, eliminating the need to dig roads or lay long fiber cables.
- •The company plans to take this homegrown technology beyond India to international markets including Africa, Southeast Asia, and Australia.
- •UBR operates on the unlicensed 5 GHz band, helping Jio save valuable 5G spectrum for mobile phone services.
- •Around 6.5 million customers in India are already using UBR technology, which can deliver speeds of up to 1 Gbps.
- •Jio acquired US-based Mimosa Networks in 2023 through Radisys to strengthen its expertise in wireless broadband technology.
Key Questions Answered
UBR is a wireless technology that uses license-free 5 GHz Wi-Fi frequencies to deliver internet service wirelessly from a mobile tower directly to a home. This setup avoids expensive licensed spectrums and bypasses the need for digging roads or laying long physical cables.
Jio developed its UBR technology through the acquisition of US-based Mimosa Networks in 2023, which was carried out by Jio's Radisys. Mimosa previously specialized in wireless broadband technology using unlicensed spectrum, including Fixed Wireless Access and wireless backhaul solutions.
Jio is exploring expansion into Africa, Southeast Asia, Australia, Europe, and East Asia. Potential business models include Jio operating the technology directly, both companies sharing revenues, or establishing joint business ventures with legacy telecom operators.
