Airtel has entered into an agreement with SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk, to bring Starlink’s high-speed internet services to its customers in India, according to a filing with the stock exchanges on Tuesday. This collaboration is expected to provide satellite-based telecom services, especially in remote areas of India where traditional telecom services are expensive and difficult to establish. The agreement marks the first of its kind in India, pending SpaceX’s authorization to offer Starlink services within the country.
Through this partnership, Airtel and SpaceX will explore how Starlink can enhance and expand Airtel’s service offerings. They plan to introduce Starlink equipment in Airtel’s retail stores and offer Starlink services to business customers. The collaboration also aims to provide connectivity to underserved communities, schools, and healthcare centers, particularly in rural regions of India.
Additionally, the partnership will explore ways Starlink can help enhance Airtel’s network, leveraging Airtel’s ground infrastructure to benefit SpaceX’s satellite-based services. With the inclusion of Starlink alongside its existing alliance with Eutelsat OneWeb, Airtel will strengthen its ability to provide nationwide coverage, including areas that are currently without reliable connectivity. Airtel plans to offer comprehensive connectivity packages for enterprises, businesses, and communities through Starlink’s enterprise suite.
Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and Vice Chairman of Bharti Airtel Ltd., highlighted that the collaboration with SpaceX would significantly improve broadband access in remote regions of India, ensuring reliable internet connectivity for individuals, businesses, and communities. He emphasized Airtel’s commitment to next-generation satellite connectivity and to maintaining a leadership position in technological innovation to provide the best experience for their customers across India.
Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO of SpaceX, expressed excitement about the partnership, noting the transformative impact Starlink has on businesses and communities when connected. She also praised Airtel’s contribution to India’s telecom sector, stating that the collaboration with Airtel is a natural fit for SpaceX’s goals.
Airtel, based in India, serves over 550 million customers across India and Africa and is also present in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka through its associate entities. Starlink, utilizing a constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit, provides high-speed, low-latency internet worldwide.
