Jio GigaFiber set to disrupt broadband market, lead to consolidation

While existing players are expected to first drop prices, acquisition of smaller firms by larger ones is likely in future

The announcement of Jio GigaFiber, a fibre broadband network by Reliance Jio, is expected to trigger a wave of activity in the fixed broadband market, dominated by cross-spectrum players.

These include telecom operators (telcos) such as BSNL, MTNL, and Airtel, cable companies such as Hathway and DEN Networks, and pure-play broadband operators such as ACT Fibernet and Spectra.

While existing players are expected to first drop prices in response to Jio’s broadband entry, acquisition of smaller companies by larger firms could also