Elon Musk’s Starlink is Coming to India—Thanks to Airtel’s Latest Collaboration with SpaceX

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Telecommunications company Bharti Airtel has signed an agreement with SpaceX to bring high-speed internet services from Elon Musk's company, Starlink, to its customers. Elon Musk’s Starlink is Coming to India—Thanks to Airtel’s Latest Collaboration with SpaceX

Airtel announced in a statement on Tuesday that this is the first agreement signed in India, subject to SpaceX obtaining its own authorization to sell Starlink in the country. The collaboration will enable Airtel and SpaceX to explore how Starlink can complement and expand Airtel’s offerings, as well as how Airtel’s expertise in the Indian market can support SpaceX’s direct services for consumers and businesses.

Airtel and SpaceX will explore offering Starlink equipment at Airtel retail stores, providing Starlink services to business customers through Airtel, and expanding connectivity to communities, schools, and healthcare centers, including India's most remote areas. The partnership will also assess how Starlink can enhance and extend Airtel’s network and how SpaceX can leverage Airtel’s ground network infrastructure in India.

Airtel emphasized its commitment to delivering extensive and reliable connectivity and digital solutions by leveraging advanced technology. By integrating Starlink into its offerings, in addition to its existing alliance with Eutelsat OneWeb, Airtel aims to improve connectivity across the country, particularly in underserved and unconnected regions. With Starlink’s enterprise suite, Airtel will be able to offer businesses, enterprises, and communities seamless and comprehensive connectivity solutions.

Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and Vice Chairman of Bharti Airtel, said, “Partnering with SpaceX to offer Starlink services to Airtel customers in India is a significant milestone and further strengthens our 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 reliable internet access for individuals, businesses, and communities. Starlink will complement and enhance Airtel’s suite of products, ensuring affordable and dependable broadband for Indian customers—wherever they live or work. Technology is constantly evolving, and we are committed to staying at the forefront of innovation to provide the best connectivity experience for our customers. Partnering with global leaders like SpaceX will help expand our reach and add new coverage across India.”

Gwynne Shotwell, President and Chief Operating Officer of SpaceX, said, “We are excited to work with Airtel and showcase the transformative impact that Starlink can bring to the people of India. We are continuously amazed by the incredible and inspiring things that individuals, businesses, and organizations achieve when connected through Starlink. The Airtel team has played a crucial role in India’s telecom industry, so working with them to complement our direct offerings is highly valuable for our business.”