Elon Musk’s SpaceX has partnered with India’s Bharti Airtel to bring Starlink’s satellite-based high-speed internet to the country. The collaboration, announced in a regulatory filing, aims to provide broadband connectivity to remote and underserved regions where traditional telecom infrastructure is limited.

Expanding Digital Access Across India
The agreement, which is contingent on regulatory approvals, will enable Airtel to offer Starlink services through its retail network. This partnership will also facilitate the expansion of satellite internet access for businesses, educational institutions, and healthcare centers, ensuring reliable connectivity in rural and mountainous areas.

With over 6,900 active satellites in low Earth orbit, Starlink provides low-latency broadband to areas where internet access has been previously unavailable. The partnership with Airtel, India’s second-largest telecom operator, strengthens efforts to bridge the country’s digital divide, where nearly 40% of the population still lacks internet access.

A Strategic Alliance for Innovation
Bharti Airtel’s Managing Director, Gopal Vittal, emphasized that the partnership aligns with their vision of next-generation satellite connectivity, enabling high-speed broadband access even in the most remote parts of India. SpaceX’s President, Gwynne Shotwell, expressed enthusiasm for working with Airtel, citing the potential for transformative change in India’s telecom sector.

Despite the promising collaboration, Starlink’s entry into the Indian market has faced regulatory hurdles and competition from domestic telecom giants like Reliance Jio. However, the agreement marks a crucial step toward enhancing India’s digital infrastructure.