Bharti Airtel has allied with SpaceX strategically to offer satellite internet services of Starlink in India, a historic achievement for India’s digital connectivity.
The transaction, pending regulatory approvals, is India’s first of its kind and is expected to fill the gap in connectivity in rural and under-served parts of the country. The transaction will allow Airtel to combine Starlink’s satellite-based high-speed broadband with its existing portfolio, extending internet coverage to rural towns, business centers, and community centers.
A Game-Changer for Digital Connectivity
Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and Vice Chairman of Bharti Airtel, emphasized the transformative potential of the partnership. “Working with SpaceX to offer Starlink to Airtel customers in India is a significant milestone. This collaboration enhances our ability to bring world-class high-speed broadband to even the most remote parts of the country,” he stated.
Under the agreement, Airtel will explore the integration of Starlink services into its retail network, offering the equipment through its stores.
Leveraging Airtel’s Infrastructure
In addition to distribution, the partnership will allow Airtel to share its extensive ground network in order to support SpaceX’s satellite internet services. The deal will help both Airtel’s broadband services and the outreach of Starlink in India. Airtel already has an alliance with Eutelsat OneWeb for satellite broadband, and the addition of Starlink to its bouquet further cements its presence in India’s burgeoning satellite internet space.
Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO of SpaceX, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. “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 growth, making this partnership a natural fit.”
Regulatory Challenges Ahead
While the deal is a game-changer for the era of the internet in India, its implementation depends on SpaceX acquiring the required regulatory permissions from the Indian government. Starlink has encountered obstacles in the past to gain permission in India with apprehensions expressed on issues of spectrum allocation and the foreign ownership of the satellite broadband segment.
The government has been hesitant to allow foreign satellite operators to enter the market without imposing on them some compliance processes. Airtel’s deal, however, might assuage regulatory concerns and hasten Starlink’s foray into India.
A Boon for India’s Digital Future?
India boasts one of the world’s biggest digital divides, with rural and remote areas containing millions of people without a stable internet connection. The Airtel-Starlink tie-up may be the answer to bridging this divide, offering high-speed internet to the remote areas.
Industry observers are of the view that the step will add competition to Indian broadband space, particularly with arch-competitors like Vodafone-Idea and Reliance Jio also looking at the satellite-based internet opportunity. With this partnership, Airtel aims to be at the center of India’s satellite broadband revolution, offering high-speed connectivity to homes, schools, and businesses across India.
The telecom industry is keeping a tight eye on this arrangement, and its success hinges on how quickly SpaceX handles India’s regulatory environment and how well Airtel incorporates Starlink into its current offerings.
