Bharti Airtel has announced a strategic alliance with SpaceX, the aerospace business founded by Elon Musk, to launch Starlink satellite internet services in India. This is Starlink’s first big collaboration in the country, establishing Airtel as a key player in the satellite broadband business. The partnership’s goal is to improve connection in rural and underserved areas, ensuring that isolated places have access to high-speed internet.
However, the launch is subject to regulatory approval from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre and the Department of Telecommunications. SpaceX is now awaiting approval to officially begin operations.
Under this deal, Airtel will incorporate Starlink into its existing satellite broadband portfolio, which also includes Eutelsat OneWeb, to expand coverage across the country. The effort aims to overcome India’s digital gap by connecting villages, schools, healthcare facilities, and companies.
The cooperation also includes ambitions to sell Starlink equipment over Airtel’s retail network and offer enterprise services. Additionally, Airtel’s infrastructure and market knowledge would help SpaceX expand in India.
India’s satellite broadband sector is growing more competitive, with companies such as Reliance Jio and Eutelsat OneWeb already obtaining the required licenses.
