Bharti Airtel Partners with SpaceX to Launch Starlink Internet in India
Indian telecom giant Bharti Airtel has announced a partnership with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to bring Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet to India. The deal, unveiled on Tuesday, is subject to SpaceX obtaining regulatory approvals to sell Starlink services in the country. The collaboration will focus on providing broadband to businesses, schools, healthcare centers, and remote areas, while also exploring ways to integrate Starlink’s technology into Airtel’s network.
This move comes after a long-standing debate over satellite spectrum allocation in India. In November 2024, a heated exchange took place between Starlink, Amazon Kuiper, and India’s top telecom providers—Reliance Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea—over how the spectrum should be assigned. While the telecom operators pushed for an auction-based system, SpaceX argued for administrative allocation. The Indian government later backed SpaceX’s stance, though Starlink’s license application is still under review.
Airtel’s Managing Director and Vice Chairman, Gopal Vittal, emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, “This collaboration enhances our ability to bring world-class high-speed broadband to even the most remote parts of India.” SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell echoed his sentiments, saying, “We are excited to work with Airtel and unlock the transformative impact Starlink can bring to the people of India.”
As part of the agreement, SpaceX may utilize Airtel’s ground infrastructure to support Starlink’s expansion, while Airtel will assess how satellite connectivity can enhance its own offerings. The companies are also exploring retail distribution for Starlink equipment, making it more accessible to Indian customers.
Airtel Chairman Sunil Mittal has previously highlighted the importance of satellite internet in bridging India’s digital divide, particularly in rural areas. He has urged the government to allow shared spectrum allocation in hard-to-reach regions, arguing that “satellites are required to serve dark areas.” With regulatory approvals still pending, the partnership marks a crucial step toward expanding broadband access across India.
