Airtel to bring Starlink’s satellite internet services to India

Bharti Airtel has signed an agreement with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to bring Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet services to India. This partnership marks the first of its kind in the country.

Key points of the agreement
Airtel and SpaceX will collaborate to enhance business connectivity and expand high-speed internet access across India, particularly in remote areas.

The deal is subject to SpaceX obtaining necessary approvals from Indian authorities to sell Starlink services.

Airtel plans to offer Starlink equipment in its retail stores and provide Starlink services to businesses. They also aim to connect rural schools, health centers, and other remote communities.

Starlink will complement Airtel’s existing satellite internet offerings, including its partnership with Eutelsat OneWeb, to further expand nationwide connectivity.

Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and Vice Chairman of Bharti Airtel, highlighted the collaboration as a significant milestone in next-generation satellite connectivity, ensuring reliable internet for all Indian customers. “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,” said Vittal.

Gwynne Shotwell, President of SpaceX, said, “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,” he added.

CT Bureau