SpaceX has joined forces with Bharti Airtel to bring Starlink’s satellite internet service to India.
Highlights
The partnership aims to improve high-speed connectivity across the country, but it’s still waiting on regulatory approval from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) and the Department of Telecommunications before it can officially launch.
Navigating Regulatory Hurdles
This isn’t SpaceX’s first attempt to introduce Starlink in India. Back in 2022, the company had to refund customer preorders after accepting payments without the necessary licenses.
Partnering with Airtel now gives SpaceX a structured approach to meeting regulatory requirements, potentially smoothing the approval process.
What This Means for India’s Telecom Market
The partnership could shake up India’s broadband industry, particularly for Reliance Jio, the country’s biggest telecom provider.
Jio has been developing its own satellite internet service and has previously pushed back against Starlink’s entry.
Meanwhile, the Airtel-Starlink collaboration aligns with a growing push for stronger tech ties between India and the U.S., backed by high-level discussions between both governments.
How Starlink Will Roll Out in India
Under the agreement, Airtel will distribute Starlink equipment through its retail stores and provide services to business customers. SpaceX will also tap into Airtel’s existing infrastructure to expand network coverage. So far, financial details of the deal haven’t been shared.
Policy Shifts That Could Help Starlink
India’s telecom policies have been evolving, and recent changes may work in Starlink’s favor. A 2023 telecom bill introduced a direct spectrum allocation system for satellite services, and in 2024, the government backed Starlink’s participation in a satellite broadband auction.
These updates suggest a more open approach to satellite internet providers.
Bridging the Digital Divide
Airtel and SpaceX are focusing on expanding internet access, particularly in rural and remote areas where traditional broadband struggles to reach. By combining Starlink’s satellite technology with Airtel’s infrastructure, the goal is to provide more reliable connectivity in places that need it most.
Airtel’s Dual Approach to Satellite Internet
While teaming up with SpaceX, Airtel is also working with Eutelsat OneWeb, which was among the first companies to get government approval for satellite broadband in India.
This suggests Airtel isn’t putting all its eggs in one basket—it’s exploring multiple satellite solutions to strengthen its position in the market.
What’s Next?
If everything goes according to plan and regulatory approvals come through, the Airtel-Starlink partnership could speed up the adoption of satellite internet in India.
Bharti Airtel’s Managing Director, Gopal Vittal, sees this as a big opportunity to expand broadband access, while SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell believes Starlink can play a key role in improving connectivity in underserved areas.
With regulatory decisions still pending, the industry is watching closely to see how this partnership unfolds.
