UBR Powers Jio’s Rapid Broadband Expansion

Reliance Jio is accelerating its broadband growth through Unlicensed Band Radio (UBR) technology, which enables wireless broadband delivery without the need for costly fibre infrastructure.

UBR operates on unlicensed spectrum, allowing telecom providers to transmit data over radio frequencies that do not require government licensing. This makes it a highly efficient and affordable solution, especially for underserved or remote regions.

For Jio, UBR underpins its Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) network, enabling high-speed broadband delivery via wireless links instead of physical cables.

This technology has helped Jio add over one million new broadband users every month, marking one of the fastest expansions in India’s telecom history.

According to Jefferies, Jio’s Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) is projected to grow at an 11% CAGR to ₹272 between FY25–FY28, supported by three 10% tariff hikes and UBR-driven efficiency.

Jio’s operating margins are also expected to rise to 58% by FY28, driven by operating leverage and stronger 5G monetisation.

By the end of Q2 FY26, Jio had 234 million 5G users, the highest among Indian operators, with revenue growing 14.6% year-on-year and profits reaching ₹7,379 crore.

UBR allows faster, more affordable last-mile connectivity, reducing capital and operational expenditure for telecom companies.

However, shared frequencies bring risks of signal interference, requiring advanced network management to ensure consistent performance.

With regulatory support from TRAI and potential delicensing of the 6 GHz band, UBR is set to become mainstream by 2026–2028, transforming India’s broadband landscape.