Airtel Partners With Elon Musk's SpaceX To Bring Starlink To India; Here's What We Know So Far

Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and Vice Chairman, Bharti Airtel, said, “Working with SpaceX to offer Starlink to Airtel customers in India is a significant milestone”

In addition to expanding connectivity, the partnership will explore how Starlink's satellite technology can complement Airtel's existing network

Source : Pexels

Bharti Airtel has signed an agreement with SpaceX to bring Starlink's satellite internet services to India. However, the deal is contingent upon regulatory approvals allowing SpaceX to offer Starlink services in the country, Airtel said in a regulatory filing on Tuesday. This partnership will see Airtel and SpaceX exploring collaborative efforts to enhance internet connectivity across India.

As part of the agreement, Airtel may sell Starlink equipment through its retail stores and provide high-speed satellite internet to businesses. The two companies will also join forces to deliver reliable internet access to rural schools, healthcare centres, and remote communities, helping to bridge the digital divide, according to a Business Standard report.

In addition to expanding connectivity, the partnership will explore how Starlink's satellite technology can complement Airtel's existing network, while also enabling SpaceX to utilise Airtel’s ground infrastructure in India. This collaboration is in line with Airtel's long-term strategy to deliver advanced connectivity solutions across the country, it added.

'Offer Starlink To Airtel Customers'

Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and Vice Chairman, Bharti Airtel, said, “Working with SpaceX to offer Starlink to Airtel customers in India is a significant milestone and further demonstrates our commitment to next-generation satellite connectivity.”

“This collaboration enhances our ability to bring world-class high-speed broadband to even the most remote parts of India, ensuring that every individual, business, and community has reliable internet. Starlink will complement and enhance Airtel’s suite of products to ensure reliable and affordable broadband for our Indian customers wherever they live and work,” Vittal added.

Gwynne Shotwell, President of SpaceX, also shared her enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, “We are excited to work with Airtel and unlock the transformative impact Starlink can bring to the people of India. We are constantly amazed by the incredible and inspiring things that people, businesses, and organisations do when they are connected via Starlink. The team at Airtel has played a pivotal role in India’s telecom story, so working with them to complement our direct offering makes great sense for our business."