Bharti Airtel signs pact with SpaceX to bring Starlink's high-speed internet to India

Airtel and SpaceX will explore offering Starlink equipment in Airtel’s retail stores

Bharti Airtel has announced a partnership with SpaceX, the aerospace company led by billionaire Elon Musk, to introduce Starlink satellite internet services in India.

In a joint statement released on March 11, the companies highlighted that the agreement marks Starlink’s first formal partnership in India.

However, its implementation is contingent upon SpaceX securing the necessary authorizations to operate Starlink services within the country.

By integrating Starlink into its offerings—alongside its existing partnership with Eutelsat OneWeb—Airtel will strengthen its ability to provide nationwide coverage, particularly in underserved areas.

The collaboration explores ways Starlink’s satellite-based internet can enhance Airtel’s offerings. Additionally, Airtel’s market expertise is expected to complement SpaceX’s direct-to-consumer and business services in India.

“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 Ltd.

Vittal said the collaboration will enhance its ability to bring high-speed broadband to even the most remote parts of India… “Starlink will complement and enhance Airtel’s suite of products to ensure reliable and affordable broadband for our Indian customers.”

Airtel and SpaceX are exploring a collaboration to offer Starlink equipment through Airtel’s retail stores and provide Starlink services to business customers. Their partnership aims to enhance connectivity in India’s most remote regions, including communities, schools, and healthcare centers.

Additionally, both companies will assess how Starlink can complement and expand Airtel’s network while also leveraging Airtel’s ground infrastructure and capabilities to support SpaceX’s operations in India.

With the Starlink enterprise suite, Airtel said it can offer seamless and comprehensive connectivity solutions to businesses, enterprises, and communities nationwide.

“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,” said Gwynne Shotwell, president and chief operating officer of SpaceX.

Meanwhile, regulatory approvals remain a key hurdle for Starlink’s launch in India. The Indian space regulator, IN-SPACe, and the department of telecommunications (DoT) have yet to authorise SpaceX for Starlink’s operations.

Moneycontrol reported on November 11 that the Elon Musk-led satellite company agreed to meet the government's data localisation and security requirements, which had been a significant point of contention.

Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio’s joint venture with SES have received GMPCS licenses and IN-SPACe approvals.

Starlink already operates over 6,000 LEO satellites, while Amazon’s Kuiper project aims to deploy 3,236 satellites starting in early 2025, with commercial services expected later that year.

The government has indicated that satellite communication spectrum will be allocated administratively but with a fee structure, even as telecom operators like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel continue to push spectrum allocation through auctions.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is anticipated to provide details on the pricing structure for the satellite communication spectrum soon.

IN-SPACe projects that India’s space economy will grow to $44 billion by 2033, capturing 8% of the global market share, up from the current 2%.

Disclosure: Moneycontrol is a part of the Network18 group. Network18 is controlled by Independent Media Trust, of which Reliance Industries is the sole beneficiary.