New Delhi: India’s Bharti Airtel has signed a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to bring the highly anticipated Starlink satellite internet to the world’s most populous country.
The partnership marks a significant step toward expanding connectivity across India, pending regulatory approvals.
Starlink has long sought to enter the Indian market but has faced challenges, including a dispute with Mukesh Ambani’s company over the country’s spectrum allocation process. The Indian government has sided with Musk’s stance that satellite spectrum should be assigned rather than auctioned, though Starlink’s license application remains under review.
Airtel confirmed that the deal is contingent on SpaceX receiving the necessary authorizations to sell Starlink services in India. Once approved, SpaceX and Airtel will collaborate to provide satellite internet solutions to businesses while also extending connectivity to schools, health centers, and remote areas, the Indian telecom giant said in a statement.
The partnership will also explore ways to integrate Starlink technology to enhance Airtel’s existing network. SpaceX is expected to use Airtel’s ground network infrastructure and operational capabilities to facilitate Starlink’s rollout in India.
The announcement follows Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Elon Musk in Washington, where they discussed key topics including space exploration, technology, and innovation.
