Airtel on Tuesday announced a partnership with SpaceX to introduce Starlink’s high-speed internet services to its customers in India. This marks the first agreement of its kind in the country, though it is contingent upon SpaceX obtaining the necessary authorisations to sell Starlink services in India.
The partnership aims to explore how Starlink can complement and expand Airtel’s offerings, while also leveraging Airtel’s expertise in the Indian market to enhance SpaceX’s direct services to consumers and businesses.
According to the statement, the collaboration will consider offering Starlink equipment in Airtel’s retail outlets and providing Starlink services to business customers. Additionally, both companies will examine opportunities to connect communities, schools, and health centres in some of India’s most remote regions.
The partnership will also evaluate how Starlink could enhance Airtel’s network and how SpaceX could utilise Airtel’s ground network infrastructure and other capabilities within India.
“By adding Starlink, (in addition to its existing alliance with Eutelsat OneWeb) to its offerings, Airtel will further its ability to offer nationwide connectivity and connect previously underserved areas, particularly those with limited to no coverage today. With Starlink enterprise suite, Airtel will be able to offer enterprises, businesses, and communities comprehensive and seamless connectivity packages,” said the company in a statement.
Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and Vice Chairman of Bharti Airtel Ltd, said, “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. This collaboration enhances our ability to bring world-class high-speed broadband to even the most remote parts of India, ensuring that every individual, business, and community has reliable internet. Starlink will complement and enhance Airtel’s suite of products to ensure reliable and affordable broadband for our Indian customers – wherever they live and work.”
He added, “Technology is always evolving and we’re committed to staying at the forefront of innovation so that we can continue to bring the best connectivity experience for our customers. This includes collaborating with global leaders like SpaceX to extend our reach and add new coverage to customers throughout all of India.”
Gwynne Shotwell, President and Chief Operating Officer of SpaceX, said, “We are excited to work with Airtel and unlock the transformative impact Starlink can bring to the people of India. We are constantly amazed by the incredible and inspiring things that people, businesses and organisations do when they are connected via Starlink. 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.”
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