JioStar is reportedly in discussions with Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea (Vi) to bundle its streaming service with telecom operators’ data plans ahead of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, according. This move follows JioStar’s transition to a subscription-based model, ending free IPL streaming, which was previously available on JioCinema.
Strategic Shift to Subscription Model
JioStar has launched multiple subscription plans, starting at ₹149 for three months. Higher-tier plans offer 4K streaming and advanced features, such as AI-powered insights, real-time stats overlays, multi-angle viewing, and customized feeds.
“These telecom partnerships will allow users to access premium JioHotstar content without needing separate subscriptions,” sources told. Industry experts believe that bundling OTT subscriptions with prepaid and postpaid plans will boost telecom data consumption, as seen when free live cricket on JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar significantly increased data usage in recent years.
Expanding Reach Through Telecom Partnerships
The proposed partnerships would integrate JioStar’s content into prepaid and postpaid data plans, providing seamless access for users.
A source noted that JioHotstar’s content deal with Airtel expired last month, making a renewal crucial for maintaining momentum, especially as the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaches—the first major tournament behind a paywall since JioHotstar’s launch on February 14, 2025.
Boosting Viewership and Subscriptions
JioStar aims to reach over 1 billion viewers across TV and digital platforms, leveraging telecom partnerships to expand its subscriber base.
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In 2024, IPL viewership reached 620 million on JioCinema and 541 million on Star Sports. With upcoming cricket events like ICC Champions Trophy 2025 shifting behind a paywall, JioStar’s strategy to bundle subscriptions with telecom plans is expected to drive both subscriber growth and data usage.
