Having built one of the world’s largest telecom businesses by democratising mobile data in India, Jio is betting that its engineering capabilities, digital infrastructure and vast consumer base can help it evolve into a global technology powerhouse, taking homegrown products and platforms to international markets.
Danish Khan
October 28, 2026 / 19:37 IST
jio
Jio Platforms could join the ranks of Asian technology giants such as Samsung, SK Hynix and Sony, which have built global businesses, as it looks to expand beyond telecommunications into artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, digital services, proprietary telecom technology and connected devices, analysts and market watchers said.
With its vast consumer base, engineering capabilities and investments in digital infrastructure, Jio is seeking to build technology products and platforms that can compete in international markets and establish India as a
Having built one of the world’s largest telecom businesses by democratising mobile data in India, Jio is betting that its engineering capabilities, digital infrastructure and vast consumer base can help it evolve into a global technology powerhouse, taking homegrown products and platforms to international markets.
The ambition marks a strategic shift for Jio Platforms, positioning it as a technology company rather than merely a telecom operator. Its next phase of growth will depend on whether it can monetise investments in AI, cloud infrastructure, the Internet of Things (IoT) and network technology while developing products that can compete with established global players.
Jio’s blockbuster initial public offering (IPO) has catapulted it into the ranks of the world’s largest listed telecom companies, making it the sixth-largest by market capitalisation at around $131 billion on its market debut on Wednesday, according to Bloomberg data. It has edged past Bharti Airtel, valued at approximately $130 billion, to become the second-most valuable telecom company in Asia after China’s China Mobile, which has a market capitalisation of about $221 billion. The listing marks a significant milestone for India’s telecom sector.
“In our first 10 years, we democratised data, bringing hundreds of millions into digital life. In our next 10, we want to democratise every technology that can transform Indian lives: AI, Cloud, Connected devices, Connectivity even from space, and Digital services not yet imagined,” said Akash Ambani, managing director of Jio Platforms.
Neil Shah, co-founder and research analyst at Counterpoint Research, said Jio Platforms’ $135 billion valuation reflected a shift in how public markets viewed the company, looking beyond its telecom positioning to recognise its potential as a full-stack technology business.
“Jio Platforms is built as an integrated tech powerhouse, driven by the convergence of AI, Cloud, Content, and Connectivity, backed by its own green energy and gigawatt-scale data centres,” Shah said.
Shah said this combination makes its long-term vision more comparable to SpaceX and Elon Musk’s ventures than to a conventional telecom operator or a standalone AI or cloud company.
Jio’s technology ambitions are already extending into the telecom equipment and network technology ecosystem, where it is developing proprietary solutions while collaborating with established vendors.
Its in-house technology stack puts it in the broader competitive landscape occupied by companies such as Ericsson, Nokia and Samsung among others, even as it works with global technology partners. Jio has developed capabilities across its 4G and 5G networks and is investing in AI-driven network automation and 6G research. The opportunity is to commercialise these capabilities beyond its own network by supplying technology and services to other telecom operators, including in international markets.
Vivekanand S, an analyst at Ambit Capital Research, said Jio’s engineering capabilities and investments in AI provided a foundation for its evolution into a global technology company. Its engineering team of around 12,000 people and strategy of developing proprietary technology in-house could help it build products beyond connectivity, he said.
Jio has previously demonstrated its ability to expand markets through innovative business models. Its combination of home broadband with entertainment and digital content helped transform internet access from a productivity tool into a household entertainment service, widening its addressable market.
However, developing technology capabilities is different from building globally successful products. Jio will need to demonstrate that its engineering strengths can translate into differentiated offerings that attract mass adoption, particularly in developed markets such as the US, Vivekanand said.
Unlike Chinese technology companies such as Alibaba, which benefited from a large domestic market and a relatively protected digital ecosystem, Jio operates in an open market where Google, Meta and other international players have established consumer platforms. Low per-capita income and limited enterprise technology spending in India also constrain the domestic opportunity.
“The key strategy should be to identify unique problems and build technology solutions with global appeal,” Vivekanand said, adding that widespread international adoption of a successful product could potentially establish Jio as a technology powerhouse.
AI applications, cloud services, IoT devices and digital platforms offer potential avenues for expansion. Jio could leverage its connectivity infrastructure and consumer reach to develop integrated services for businesses and households, while satellite connectivity could extend its reach beyond terrestrial networks.
Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 15 years.
first published: Oct 28, 2026 06:26 pm
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
Watch
Trending news
Pune founder runs ‘pillar to post’ for daughter’s PAN card after DoB error, questions ‘Digital India’
- IIM Calcutta grad quits ‘dream job’ at McKinsey to join Google, reveals how it changed her lifestyle
- ‘Should I take it?’: Microsoft offers 23-year-old Hyderabad engineer Rs 11 lakh to quit. Reddit is divided
- Indian couple quit Rs 1.3 crore pa jobs in Canada to live in Himachal: ‘Love the view, low living cost’
- WPL Auction 2027 Live: Grace Harris sold to UP Warriorz for Rs 30 lakh, Sophie Molineux also joins for Rs 1.1 crore
- Ramayana First Reactions: Ranbir Kapoor, Yash earn praises for standout performances, netizens criticise pacing and VFX
- Ramayana LA Premiere: Jada Pinkett Smith, Jonathan Scott and other Hollywood celebs attend; Ranbir Kapoor reunites with Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani co-star Poorna Jagannathan
- From ‘Kolaveri Di’ fame to tequila and coffee business: Anirudh Ravichander’s journey ahead of his wedding to Kavya Maran
- This 2-year-old Karnataka tabla prodigy sets record for reciting and playing 12 taals: Meet Swarshri Hegde, who enters India Book of Records
- Apple MacBook Pro with touchscreen display and M5 Pro, M5 Max chips launched: India pricing, features and more
- Apple’s first touchscreen MacBook Pro also brings back the glowing Apple logo after 10 years
- Inside Bigg Boss 20 contestant ScoutOP’s dream home: 5 bedrooms, gaming studio, and stylish walk-in closet
- Karwa Chauth mehndi designs 2026: 4 symbols to include that will bring prosperity and good luck
- Karwa Chauth 2026 date and time: When will the Moon rise on October 29? Check puja muhurat, fasting timings and when you can break your fast
- She bought 112 acres for an Elephant she had cared for since the 1970s. Today, Carol Buckley’s idea has grown into a 3,060-acre sanctuary for retired Elephants
`);
}
if(res.stay_updated){
$(“.stay-updated-ajax”).html(res.stay_updated);
}
}catch(e){ console.log(e); }
});
},2000); // Reduced from 8s to 2s for better Core Web Vitals (LCP/UX)
});
