Bringing Starlink satellite internet to India, Airtel partners with SpaceX, aiming to improve connectivity in remote areas, pending regulatory approvals.
Bharti Airtel has entered into a partnership with SpaceX to introduce Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet services in India, marking the latter’s advent in the country. This agreement, announced on Tuesday, is contingent upon SpaceX obtaining the necessary approvals from Indian regulators to operate its services.
The partnership aims to enhance Airtel’s nationwide coverage, particularly in remote and underserved regions. By integrating Starlink’s satellite technology alongside its existing collaboration with Eutelsat OneWeb, Airtel will improve connectivity options for Indian consumers, including businesses, schools, and healthcare centres.
The companies also plan to explore offering Starlink equipment through Airtel’s retail chain, further strengthening their joint offerings.
“Airtel and SpaceX will explore offering Starlink equipment in Airtel’s retail stores, Starlink services via Airtel to business customers, opportunities to connect communities, schools, and health centres, among many others, in even the most rural parts of India,” Airtel mentioned in a joint statement.
Airtel’s Managing Director, Gopal Vittal, expressed that the collaboration marks a significant milestone in advancing satellite connectivity in India. He highlighted that Starlink’s integration will help bring high-speed broadband to the country’s most isolated areas, ensuring reliable and affordable internet for customers.
The partnership is also expected to leverage Airtel’s market expertise to complement SpaceX’s direct-to-consumer and business services.
However, regulatory hurdles remain, with approvals from the Indian space regulator IN-SPACe and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) still pending. According to Moneycontrol, SpaceX has earlier committed to meeting the government’s data localisation and security requirements, which had previously been a point of contention.
Starlink’s satellite network currently operates over 6000 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Despite the regulatory challenges, the partnership aims to strengthen India’s satellite communications sector, with the country’s space economy expected to grow to $44 billion by 2033.
