Bharti Airtel has entered into a strategic partnership with SpaceX to introduce Starlink satellite-based internet services in India. This marks Starlink’s first formal collaboration in the country, paving the way for high-speed internet access in remote and underserved regions.
However, the deal remains subject to regulatory approvals, with SpaceX still awaiting authorisation from IN-SPACe and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to operate Starlink services in India.
Expanding Airtel’s Connectivity Offerings
By integrating Starlink’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network into its suite of services, Airtel aims to strengthen its broadband coverage alongside its existing partnership with Eutelsat OneWeb. The collaboration is expected to enhance Airtel’s connectivity solutions for businesses, enterprises, and rural communities, improving access to education, healthcare, and essential digital services.
Industry Leaders Weigh In
Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and Vice Chairman of Bharti Airtel, emphasized the significance of this collaboration in bridging India’s digital divide.
“Working with SpaceX to offer Starlink to Airtel customers in India is a significant milestone. Starlink will complement and enhance Airtel’s suite of products, ensuring reliable and affordable broadband for our customers,” said Vittal.
Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO of SpaceX, also underscored the potential of Starlink in India’s connectivity landscape.
“We are excited to work with Airtel and unlock the transformative impact Starlink can bring to the people of India. 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.”
Regulatory Hurdles and India’s Satellite Broadband Race
While Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio’s joint venture with SES have already received GMPCS licenses and IN-SPACe approvals, Starlink is still awaiting clearance from Indian regulators.
In November 2024, SpaceX reportedly agreed to meet the Indian government’s data localisation and security requirements, which had been a major point of contention. However, the final decision rests with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and other government agencies.
India’s space economy is projected to grow to $44 billion by 2033, capturing 8% of the global market share, up from the current 2%, according to IN-SPACe. As global competitors like Amazon’s Project Kuiper prepare to launch satellite broadband services, the demand for spectrum allocation is expected to intensify.
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What’s Next for Starlink in India?
If regulatory approvals are granted, Airtel and Starlink plan to explore:
- Retail distribution of Starlink equipment through Airtel’s stores.
- Business and enterprise services powered by Starlink’s high-speed internet.
- Network expansion efforts leveraging Airtel’s infrastructure to support SpaceX’s operations.
With over 6,000 Starlink satellites already in orbit, this partnership could revolutionize broadband access in India’s most remote areas, offering seamless connectivity solutions for businesses and consumers alike. However, regulatory clarity will determine how soon Indian users can access Starlink’s services.
