Airtel Joins Hands with SpaceX to Bring Starlink Internet to India

Bharti Airtel has partnered with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to introduce Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet in India, marking a significant step in the country’s broadband expansion. This deal, pending regulatory approval for SpaceX to operate Starlink commercially in India, positions Airtel as a key player in the satellite internet space, where Reliance Jio is also looking to enter.

This is not SpaceX’s first attempt to establish Starlink in India. In 2021, the company had opened pre-orders for Starlink services but was forced to refund customers after the Indian government warned it against accepting payments without a proper license. Now, with Airtel’s telecom expertise and established regulatory footprint, SpaceX has a stronger shot at making Starlink a reality in India.

The partnership aims to sell Starlink equipment through Airtel’s retail stores and provide broadband services to businesses and government institutions. It also seeks to enhance internet connectivity in rural and remote areas, leveraging Airtel’s ground infrastructure alongside SpaceX’s satellite network. With millions of Indians still lacking reliable internet, this alliance is expected to play a crucial role in bridging the country’s digital divide.

Airtel already has a stake in Eutelsat OneWeb, a competing satellite internet provider, but seems keen to expand its offerings with Starlink as well. Meanwhile, Reliance Jio is reportedly working on its own satellite broadband service in partnership with SES, a Luxembourg-based firm. With major telecom giants now racing to dominate this space, the satellite internet sector in India is heating up.

For Starlink, this Airtel deal could be the breakthrough it needs, but it remains to be seen if regulatory hurdles will slow down its entry again.

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