Airtel, Jio sign deal with Elon Musk's SpaceX to bring Starlink to India
After Airtel announced on Tuesday that it had signed a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to bring Starlink to India, Reliance Jio followed with a similar announcement early Wednesday morning. Both Airtel and Jio are partnering with SpaceX to introduce Starlink’s satellite internet services in India, enabling them to expand their reach to even the most remote parts of the country. However, these agreements are contingent on SpaceX obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals to sell Starlink in India. If approved, Jio and Airtel will offer Starlink services and equipment through their retail stores and online platforms. But when will the rollout begin? How do Jio and Airtel plan to implement Starlink services? Here’s everything you need to know in five key points.
Airtel and Jio collaborate with SpaceX for Starlink in India Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio have signed agreements with SpaceX to introduce Starlink’s satellite internet services in India. However, the success of these deals depends on SpaceX securing the required regulatory clearances from the Indian government. This partnership with two of India's leading telecom providers marks a significant step in expanding high-speed broadband connectivity, particularly in rural and underserved areas
Airtel’s approach to integrating Starlink Airtel has announced plans to explore various ways of collaborating with SpaceX, including the potential sale of Starlink hardware in its stores and providing satellite internet services to businesses. Additionally, Airtel intends to utilize Starlink’s capabilities to connect rural schools, healthcare facilities, and other remote areas where conventional internet infrastructure is inadequate. Airtel also plans to integrate Starlink within its existing network and explore opportunities for SpaceX to leverage Airtel’s telecom infrastructure in India.
Jio’s strategy for offering Starlink services Reliance Jio has also partnered with SpaceX to provide Starlink services through its retail outlets and online platforms, pending regulatory approval. Jio aims to incorporate Starlink into its broadband portfolio, which currently includes JioFiber and JioAirFiber. This collaboration will help Jio strengthen its internet services, particularly in locations where deploying traditional broadband remains a challenge. Jio will also manage installation, activation, and customer support for Starlink users across India.
Impact on India’s digital infrastructure The Airtel and Jio partnerships highlight the increasing competition in India's satellite broadband sector. Both companies are focused on expanding high-speed internet access to previously unreachable locations. Airtel, which already collaborates with Eutelsat OneWeb for satellite internet services, will further enhance its connectivity by adding Starlink to its offerings. Jio, which handles the highest mobile data traffic in India, will leverage the Starlink partnership to boost broadband reliability and coverage.
Statements from company executives Gopal Vittal, Bharti Airtel’s Managing Director and Vice Chairman, called the collaboration with SpaceX a major milestone in Airtel’s push for next-generation satellite connectivity in India. Similarly, Mathew Oommen, Group CEO of Reliance Jio, stressed the importance of extending high-speed broadband to every Indian, stating that integrating Starlink into Jio’s broadband network would enhance connectivity nationwide. Meanwhile, Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO of SpaceX, praised both Airtel and Jio for their commitment to digital expansion and reaffirmed SpaceX’s dedication to bringing Starlink’s high-speed internet to India once regulatory approvals are secured.