Elon Musk's SpaceX Partners With Bharti Airtel To Enter Indian Telecom Market, Offer Satellite Internet Connectivity

Billionaire Elon Musk's satellite firm, SpaceX, has entered into a contract with Bharti Airtel to introduce Starlink's satellite internet services in India, Indian Express reported. This marks the first time such a deal has been made in the country, contingent on SpaceX obtaining necessary authorisations to market Starlink in India.

The Indian government is currently reviewing a security clearance application submitted by SpaceX. It is reported that this review process is taking place within the Home Ministry.

Industry professionals have clarified that Airtel's collaboration with SpaceX aims to provide consumer satellite services in the country, as Airtel's own service, OneWeb, is primarily business-oriented.

This partnership intensifies the competition between Reliance Jio and Musk's SpaceX, who have previously clashed over the allocation method for such services as Jio advocates for an auction, while SpaceX prefers administrative allocation. The government has elected to proceed with the administrative allocation approach.

Through this partnership, Airtel wants to “explore how Starlink can complement and expand Airtel’s offerings, and how Airtel’s expertise in the Indian market complements SpaceX’s direct offerings to consumers and businesses”.

Under the terms of the contract, Airtel and SpaceX will investigate the possibility of providing Starlink equipment through Airtel's retail outlets, offering Starlink services to commercial clients via Airtel, and creating opportunities to link communities, schools, and health centers in some of India's most remote areas.

“Airtel and SpaceX will also explore how Starlink could help expand and enhance the Airtel network, as well as SpaceX’s ability to utilise and benefit from Airtel’s ground network infrastructure and other capabilities in India,” Airtel was quoted as saying by IE.

“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,” the company said.

“With Starlink enterprise suite, Airtel will be able to offer enterprises, businesses, and communities…connectivity packages," it further said while Airtel managing director and vice-chairman Gopal Vittal called the development 'a significant milestone' for next-generation satellite connectivity.

“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,”president and chief operating officer of SpaceX Gwynne Shotwell was quoted as saying by IE.