Recently listed Jio Platforms has held discussions with US cable operators Comcast and Charter Communications about licensing its wireless broadband technology in exchange for potential equity stakes.

According to a Reuters report, the discussions are part of the Reliance Industries-controlled company’s overseas expansion plans, centred on selling its proprietary unlicensed band radio (UBR) technology to foreign operators rather than building networks abroad.

Jio is targeting 10-15 global partners for the technology, which delivers high-speed internet to buildings without requiring cable connections to individual homes.

However, there is no timeline for reaching an agreement with any of the companies it has approached, the report said.

Jio also held discussions with South Africa’s MTN Group, but the talks fell through after the two sides failed to agree on valuation and certain licensing issues. The report cited one of the sources as saying that MTN could not persuade Jio to invest at a valuation acceptable to the Indian company.

Inc42 has reached out to Jio Platforms, Comcast and Charter Communications for comments on the development. The story will be updated on receiving their responses.

Jio’s UBR platform operates on free, unlicensed Wi-Fi frequencies. It uses transmitters installed on nearby towers or rooftops to beam internet to receivers fitted on buildings.

The technology could help operators deliver broadband without laying cables to individual homes or relying on licensed mobile spectrum. Reliance has described it as a global first.

A partnership with Comcast or Charter could give Jio access to the US residential broadband market, where cable operators are facing growing competition from fibre and fixed wireless services.

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