A deal was made between Bharti Airtel and SpaceX so that Starlink’s satellite internet services can be used in India. This deal is a big step towards giving more people across the country, especially those living in remote or rural places, access to fast internet. The partnership, on the other hand, rests on SpaceX getting permission from the Indian government to run Starlink.
Airtel Signs Deal with SpaceX
Airtel said in a news release that the two businesses will look into different ways to work together. Airtel could sell Starlink gear in its stores and provide companies with satellite internet. The partnership also wants to make it easier for schools, health centres, and other underserved places in rural areas to connect to the internet.
Airtel announces an agreement with @SpaceX to bring Starlink’s high-speed internet services to its customers in India. This is the first agreement to be signed in India, which is subject to SpaceX receiving its own authorizations to sell @Starlink in India. It enables Airtel and… pic.twitter.com/5MxViKxh9C
— Bharti Airtel (@airtelnews) March 11, 2025
Eutelsat OneWeb and Airtel already work together to offer satellite internet. By adding Starlink to its services, Airtel will be better able to provide stable internet in places that are hard to get to. Businesses and communities that have trouble connecting should gain from this move.
Key Leaders Express Optimism
Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and Vice Chairman of Bharti Airtel, highlighted the significance of this partnership. He stated, “Working with SpaceX to offer Starlink to Airtel customers in India is a major milestone. This collaboration enhances our ability to provide high-speed broadband to the most remote parts of the country.”
Gwynne Shotwell, President of SpaceX, also shared her excitement about the partnership. She said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Airtel and unlock the transformative impact Starlink can have on the people of India. We look forward to working together to enhance connectivity in the region.”
Jio Also Signs a Deal with SpaceX
It’s interesting that Airtel isn’t the only telecom company working with SpaceX. Jio Platforms Limited, which is run by Mukesh Ambani, has also made a deal with SpaceX to look into possible uses for Starlink services in India. Jio also plans to give Starlink services through its stores and online, just like Airtel.
The main goal of Jio’s relationship with SpaceX is to connect Starlink’s satellite technology to Jio’s current phone network. Jio is the biggest mobile company in the world when it comes to data traffic, and this deal could help it reach even the most remote parts of India.
Mathew Oommen, Group CEO of Reliance Jio, commented on the partnership, “Our collaboration with SpaceX strengthens our commitment to seamless broadband connectivity for all. By integrating Starlink into Jio’s broadband ecosystem, we are expanding our reach and improving internet reliability across India.”
Competition and Regulatory Hurdles
India’s internet market now has Starlink, which has made the battle between Airtel and Jio stronger. The two big telecom companies have been foes for a long time in broadband and mobile, and now they are also going up against each other in satellite internet.
But the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Ministry of Home Affairs still need to give Starlink the go-ahead before it can start offering services in India. The way that rules are made has been a point of contention between SpaceX and Indian telecom businesses. Reliance Jio has said that spectrum for satellite services should be auctioned, but the Indian government agrees with Elon Musk that spectrum should be given out officially, which is how it is done around the world.
What This Means for India’s Internet Future?
If accepted, Starlink’s move into India could have a big effect on how the internet works there. It is especially helpful to have satellite internet in rural areas where it is hard to set up regular broadband networks. Starlink could help close the digital gap in India now that both Airtel and Jio are on board.
India’s bigger goal is to make internet service better all over the country, and this partnership fits in with that. Better connectivity in rural places is something the government has been pushing hard for, and satellite technology can be a big part of making this happen.
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Conclusion
The Airtel-SpaceX deal is a major step toward revolutionizing India’s internet sector. If regulatory approvals come through, Starlink could provide high-speed, reliable internet to millions of Indians, especially in underserved areas. Meanwhile, competition between Airtel and Jio in the satellite internet space will likely lead to better services and pricing for consumers.
With Airtel and Jio both partnering with SpaceX, the future of satellite internet in India looks promising. However, all eyes are now on the Indian government to see how quickly it grants the necessary approvals for Starlink to begin operations.
(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Investors are advised to consult financial experts before making investment decisions.)
