A college assignment that could not be submitted because of poor internet connectivity became an early trigger for a conversation that helped shape Reliance Jio, Isha Ambani recalled on Thursday. Her account comes as Jio Platforms moves closer to its planned initial public offering (IPO).
Speaking at a press conference a day after the company filed its Red Herring Prospectus (RHP), Ambani described how an internet problem during a visit to India with her brother, Akash Ambani, made them question the country’s digital infrastructure.
“Akash and I were in college in the States, and we were back home in Bombay for a break,”
“I tried to submit an assignment, but unfortunately, the internet did not work and I couldn’t submit it,”
The experience led them to compare connectivity in India with that in the US.
“Why was it that we didn’t have the same type of connectivity that we enjoyed in the West?”
According to Ambani, Akash saw an opportunity to build a digital technology platform that could address India’s connectivity needs.
Reliance Jio began commercial operations in September 2016, offering introductory free voice and data services that helped expand access to mobile internet across the country.
Jio Platforms moves towards its IPO
Jio Platforms, the digital and telecom subsidiary of Reliance Industries, filed its RHP on October 14. The IPO will offer up to 27 crore fresh equity shares, with a price band of ₹1,065–₹1,119 per share.
The issue is scheduled to open on October 21 and close on October 23. Bidding for anchor investors is set for October 19. The offering could raise up to ₹30,213 crore.
Part of the proceeds will be used to repay borrowings at Reliance Jio Infocomm, while the rest will go towards general corporate purposes.
Reliance announced its plan to list Jio Platforms at its 2025 annual general meeting. The company filed its draft prospectus on June 19, 2026, and received an observation letter from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) on August 28.
Isha Ambani on building businesses
Ambani outlined 3 principles behind Reliance’s business strategy: long-term planning, scale and execution. She said the group evaluates opportunities over decades and focuses on changing industry economics through scale.
She also stressed financial discipline, recalling Mukesh Ambani’s 2019 commitment to make Reliance Industries net debt-free by March 2021. The company announced in June 2020 that it had achieved the target ahead of schedule, following investments in Jio Platforms and a rights issue.
Referring to her grandfather, Dhirubhai Ambani, who took Reliance Industries public in 1977, she said the family’s 3rd generation remained committed to his vision of enabling Indians to participate in the country’s economic growth.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream LinkedIn | The Mainstream Facebook | The Mainstream Youtube | The Mainstream Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.