Airtel Partners with Elon Musk's SpaceX to Bring Starlink Internet to India

Airtel recently signed an arrangement with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s satellite broadband to India. The agreement is dependent upon authorities granting SpaceX permission to offer Starlink services in the nation.

As per the news statement released by Airtel, SpaceX and Airtel will explore opportunities to collaborate as part of this relationship.

Airtel and SpaceX Partnership

Airtel may provide Starlink's services to companies and sell Starlink devices in its retail locations. Additionally, they intend to employ Starlink to provide internet access to remote locations, health facilities, and rural schools. Additionally, Airtel and SpaceX will investigate how SpaceX may utilize Airtel's infrastructure in India and how Starlink might assist Airtel's network. 

For satellite internet, Airtel already collaborates with Eutelsat OneWeb. By adding Starlink, Airtel would be able to reach more places with poor or nonexistent internet service. Additionally, there will be more possibilities for high-speed internet for communities and businesses in remote areas.

Elon Musk’s Starlink

Starlink, a satellite internet constellation owned by SpaceX, aims to provide mobile broadband worldwide. With the aid of the most sophisticated internet system in the world, even the most remote places can benefit from streaming, video calls, online gaming, remote working, and more.

Next-Gen Satellite Connectivity in India

Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and Vice Chairman of Bharti Airtel stated, "This partnership with SpaceX to provide Starlink to Airtel customers in India is a significant milestone and further demonstrates our commitment to next-generation satellite connectivity."

"This partnership strengthens our capacity to deliver top-notch high-speed broadband to even the most isolated regions of India, guaranteeing dependable internet access for every person, company, and community. In order to guarantee dependable and reasonably priced broadband for our Indian clients wherever they reside and work, Starlink will supplement and improve Airtel's product line," he continued.

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Jio's Dominance in India’s Broadband Market

Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Jio is the leader in India's broadband market, with over 14 million wired subscribers and nearly 500 million mobile internet users. Airtel also has around 300 million broadband users. However, both companies worry that after investing over $20 billion in spectrum auctions, they could lose customers to Elon Musk's Starlink as satellite internet technology improves.