Bharti Airtel has announced a strategic partnership with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to introduce Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet to customers in India. This marks the first such agreement in the country, contingent on SpaceX securing the necessary regulatory approvals to operate Starlink in India.
The collaboration aims to explore how Starlink’s satellite internet can complement Airtel’s existing services, enhancing connectivity in rural and underserved areas. Additionally, Airtel’s retail stores may soon offer Starlink equipment, while Starlink services could be extended to business customers, schools, healthcare centres, and remote communities.
The partnership will also focus on leveraging Airtel’s ground network infrastructure to strengthen Starlink’s presence in India, further enhancing nationwide connectivity.
Gopal Vittal on the Significance of the Partnership
“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 Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and Vice Chairman, Bharti Airtel Ltd.
“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.” With this partnership, Airtel now adds Starlink to its existing satellite broadband portfolio, which already includes Eutelsat OneWeb, further expanding its ability to offer seamless and reliable internet solutions across the country.
