SpaceX has officially signed an agreement with Bharti Airtel to bring Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet to India. This marks the first deal of its kind in the country, though it remains subject to regulatory approvals before Starlink can sell its services in India. The partnership will explore ways in which Starlink can enhance Airtel’s existing offerings and how Airtel’s telecom infrastructure can support SpaceX’s direct-to-consumer model.
This move indicates yet another attempt by Elon Musk to break into the Indian market. Tesla, which we previously reported is actively hiring sales professionals for its upcoming stores, is also gearing up for entry. Now, Musk’s SpaceX is taking a big step in the Indian telecom sector with Airtel rather than Reliance, which many had speculated would be a natural partner.
What the Airtel-SpaceX Deal Means for India
The agreement aims to leverage Starlink’s satellite internet capabilities to provide seamless connectivity, particularly in India’s remote regions. Airtel and SpaceX will work together to offer Starlink equipment at Airtel’s retail stores, target business customers, and provide internet access for schools, healthcare centres, and rural communities.
Additionally, the partnership will explore integrating Starlink with Airtel’s ground network, boosting network reach and performance. Airtel already has a satellite partnership with Eutelsat OneWeb, and adding Starlink to its portfolio will further strengthen its presence in the satellite internet segment.
Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and Vice Chairman of Bharti Airtel, called the deal a “significant milestone” and emphasised Airtel’s commitment to next-generation satellite connectivity. “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,” Vittal said.
SpaceX President and COO Gwynne Shotwell also highlighted the partnership’s potential impact, saying, “We are excited to work with Airtel and unlock the transformative impact Starlink can bring to the people of India. 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.”
