Telecom giant Airtel teams up with SpaceX for potential rollout of Starlink in India, subject to necessary regulatory consent
In a significant move to enhance internet connectivity in India, Bharti Airtel, the country's second-largest telecom operator, has partnered with SpaceX to introduce Starlink's satellite internet services. The partnership was announced following a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Elon Musk in the U.S. last month.
The collaboration between SpaceX and Airtel aims to further examine how Starlink's satellite infrastructure can complement Airtel's existing network, with a focus on enterprise solutions for businesses operating in remote areas and expanding internet access in underserved communities, such as rural schools and healthcare centers. This partnership is a significant milestone, demonstrating both companies' commitment to digital inclusion and next-generation satellite connectivity, as stated by Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and Vice Chairman of Bharti Airtel.
Gwynne Shotwell, President of SpaceX, expressed her excitement about working with Airtel, emphasising the synergy between the two companies in enhancing connectivity in India. Meanwhile, Bharti Airtel has announced that it will distribute Starlink equipment through its retail network.
However, it's important to note that SpaceX has halted Starlink sales in India and is refunding deposits due to regulatory hurdles related to pre-orders without licenses. The official rollout of Starlink services in India is still pending regulatory approvals from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
Meanwhile, Tesla, another Elon Musk-led company, is making strides in India. Tesla has secured a lease for its first showroom in Mumbai, signaling its long-awaited entry into the country. Despite this, Tesla's entry into India has not been directly linked to the SpaceX and Airtel partnership.
The SpaceX and Airtel partnership will continue to explore enterprise solutions for businesses operating in remote areas and expanding internet access in underserved communities, reflecting a shared vision of bridging the digital divide in India.
