Highlights
- Airtel and Jio have signed separate deals with SpaceX to bring Starlink satellite internet to India.
- Airtel plans to sell Starlink equipment and offer services to businesses, rural schools, health centers and remote villages.
- Jio will integrate Starlink into its broadband ecosystem, expanding reach and enhancing high-speed internet reliability.
India’s two telecom giants Airtel and Jio have signed separate deals with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to bring Starlink’s satellite internet to the country. This move could help provide high-speed internet to even the most remote areas of India.
However, both deals depend on SpaceX securing government approvals to officially offer Starlink services in India. Here’s the full story.
Airtel Partnership with SpaceX
Airtel announced its agreement with SpaceX this week, highlighting its plans to sell Starlink equipment in its stores and offer Starlink’s services to businesses. The telecom provider also aims to use Starlink’s network to bring internet access to rural schools, health centers, and remote villages.
This partnership will also explore how Airtel and SpaceX can support each other’s infrastructure in India. While Airtel already collaborates with Eutelsat OneWeb for satellite internet, adding Starlink will broaden its reach to underserved areas.
“By adding Starlink, (in addition to its existing alliance with Eutelsat OneWeb) to its offerings, Airtel will further its ability to offer nationwide connectivity and connect previously underserved areas, particularly those with limited to no coverage today. With Starlink enterprise suite, Airtel will be able to offer enterprises, businesses, and communities comprehensive and seamless connectivity packages,” said the company in a statement.
“Working with SpaceX to offer Starlink to Airtel customers in India is a significant milestone and further demonstrates our commitment to next-generation satellite connectivity,” said Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and Vice Chairman, Bharti Airtel.
“This collaboration enhances our ability to bring world-class high-speed broadband to even the most remote parts of India, ensuring that every individual, business, and community has reliable internet. Starlink will complement and enhance Airtel’s suite of products to ensure reliable and affordable broadband for our Indian customers wherever they live and work,” he added.
Gwynne Shotwell, President of SpaceX, added, “We are excited to work with Airtel and unlock the transformative impact Starlink can bring to the people of India. We are constantly amazed by the incredible and inspiring things that people, businesses and organisations do when they are connected via Starlink.”
“The team at Airtel has played a pivotal role in India’s telecom story, so working with them to complement our direct offering makes great sense for our business,” Shotwell added.
Jio’s Deal with SpaceX
Following Airtel’s announcement, Jio confirmed its own agreement with SpaceX on Wednesday. Jio Platforms, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries, will integrate Starlink’s satellite services into its broadband ecosystem. This means Starlink equipment will be available in Jio’s retail outlets and online stores, along with installation and activation support.
Previously, Jio and SpaceX had opposing views on satellite spectrum allocation, with Jio advocating for an auction while SpaceX favoured administrative allocation. However, with the government opting for the latter, both companies are now aligned.
“Through this agreement, the parties will leverage Jio’s position as the world’s largest mobile operator in terms of data traffic and Starlink’s position as the world’s leading low Earth orbit satellite constellation operator to deliver reliable broadband services across the country, including the most rural and remote regions of India,” Jio said in a statement.
“Starlink complements JioAirFiber and JioFiber by extending high speed internet to the most challenging of locations in a quick and affordable manner,” Jio said in a statement.
“By integrating Starlink into Jio’s broadband ecosystem, we are expanding our reach and enhancing the reliability and accessibility of high-speed broadband in this AI-driven era, empowering communities and businesses across the country,” said Mathew Oommen, Group CEO, Reliance Jio.
“We are looking forward to working with Jio and receiving authorisation from the Government of India to provide more people, organisations and businesses with access to Starlink’s high speed internet services,” said Gwynne Shotwell, President and Chief Operating Officer of SpaceX.
SpaceX is currently awaiting security clearance from the Indian government, with the approval process under review at the Home Ministry.
FAQs
Q1. What agreements have Airtel and Jio signed with SpaceX?
Answer. Airtel and Jio have signed separate deals with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s satellite internet to India, subject to government approvals.
Q2. What are Airtel’s plans with SpaceX’s Starlink services?
Answer. Airtel plans to sell Starlink equipment in its stores and offer services to businesses, rural schools, health centers, and remote villages. They will also explore supporting each other’s infrastructure in India.
Q3. How will Jio integrate SpaceX’s Starlink into its services?
Answer. Jio Platforms will integrate Starlink’s satellite services into its broadband ecosystem, making Starlink equipment available in Jio’s retail outlets and online stores, along with installation and activation support.
Q4. What approvals are needed for SpaceX to offer Starlink services in India?
Answer. SpaceX is currently awaiting security clearance from the Indian government, with the approval process under review at the Home Ministry.
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