Airtel and SpaceX Announce Landmark Agreement for Starlink Internet in India

New Delhi, March 11, 2025: Bharti Airtel has entered into a strategic agreement with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet services to its customers in India. The partnership, subject to regulatory approvals, marks a significant step toward enhancing connectivity across the country, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

Agreement Highlights

The collaboration aims to explore how Starlink’s satellite technology can complement Airtel’s existing network infrastructure, expanding internet access to regions with limited or no connectivity. The key areas of focus under this agreement include:

• Retail Distribution: Airtel will explore offering Starlink hardware through its retail stores across India.

• Enterprise Services: Starlink’s enterprise suite will be available to business customers, enabling high-speed, low-latency internet for organizations operating in remote locations.

• Community Connectivity: The companies will work together to provide broadband solutions for schools, healthcare centers, and rural communities.

• Network Expansion: Airtel and SpaceX will examine ways in which Starlink can enhance Airtel’s network and how Airtel’s infrastructure can support Starlink’s service expansion in India.

Enhancing Broadband Access Across India

Airtel, already a key player in India’s telecommunications sector, aims to leverage Starlink’s satellite technology to ensure that even the most remote locations gain access to high-speed internet. This collaboration adds to Airtel’s existing partnerships, including its alliance with Eutelsat OneWeb, which also provides satellite broadband services.

“Airtel remains committed to delivering comprehensive and reliable connectivity solutions, leveraging the latest technologies to ensure seamless digital access for all,” said Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and Vice Chairman of Bharti Airtel Ltd. “Working with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s advanced broadband services to India is a significant milestone that will further our mission of connecting every individual, business, and community.”

SpaceX’s Vision for India

Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO of SpaceX, emphasized the potential impact of Starlink’s expansion in India: “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 industry, and this partnership makes perfect sense as we scale our services globally.”

Starlink, the world’s first and largest low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, offers broadband internet that supports streaming, video calls, and online gaming with low latency. Engineered and operated by SpaceX, Starlink aims to provide high-speed connectivity to underserved regions worldwide.

Future Prospects and Regulatory Approvals

While this agreement is a major step, SpaceX is awaiting regulatory clearance to offer Starlink services commercially in India. The Indian government’s approval will be crucial in determining the rollout timeline for these services.

If approved, Starlink’s integration with Airtel’s nationwide network will enable millions of Indians to access reliable, high-speed internet, further accelerating India’s digital transformation.

About Bharti Airtel

Bharti Airtel Limited is a leading global communications solutions provider, serving over 550 million customers across 15 countries in India and Africa. As one of the top three mobile operators globally, Airtel offers 4G/5G mobile broadband, fiber internet, digital payments, enterprise solutions, and cloud services. The company also operates passive infrastructure services through its subsidiary Indus Towers Ltd.

For more details, visit www.airtel.com

About Starlink by SpaceX

Starlink, operated by SpaceX, provides high-speed satellite broadband services across the world. As a leader in space launch services, SpaceX has leveraged its expertise in spacecraft technology to build the most advanced broadband internet system globally.

Learn more at www.starlink.com Follow Starlink on X: https://x.com/Starlink

Conclusion

The Airtel-SpaceX partnership represents a major development in India’s broadband expansion efforts. By integrating Starlink’s satellite internet capabilities with Airtel’s extensive network, this agreement has the potential to revolutionize connectivity in rural and underserved areas, ensuring that every Indian has access to reliable, high-speed internet. The final launch of Starlink’s services in India now hinges on regulatory approvals, which will determine the timeline for commercial deployment.

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