Airtel Partners SpaceX To Offer Starlink’s Internet Services To Indian Customers

Telecom major Bharti Airtel has inked a pact with Elon Musk-led SpaceX to provide Starlink’s satellite-based internet services to its customers in India.

However, the deal is subject to SpaceX obtaining necessary regulatory approvals to offer Starlink’s services in the country.

As part of the deal, the Indian telecom giant will explore future collaborative opportunities with Starlink, including selling Starlink devices at its retail outlets and providing Starlink services under its own brand to users, Airtel said in a statement.

The duo 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. 

The partnership is aimed at increasing internet connectivity in the country, particularly in remote areas, which lack 5G internet, cable internet or fibre optical internet.

“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,” Airtel said.

Gopal Vittal, managing director and vice chairman of Bharti Airtel, said that the collaboration will enhance the telco’s suite of products to offer affordable broadband for its Indian customers.

The development comes on the heels of the Centre reiterating that satcom spectrum would be allocated administratively for a fee, despite demands from India’s top telcos such as Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea for an auction.

It must be noted that satellite broadband services can only start in India after the government irons out specifics such as pricing and mode of spectrum. 

Reports surfaced last year that the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) would release recommendations “very soon” for spectrum assignment and pricing for satellite-based communication services. However, the telecom watchdog is yet to notify said recommendations.

Earlier this month, Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel urged the government to ensure a level playing field in the satcom sector. They raised concerns that low-earth orbit satellites offer comparable broadband speeds and capacity to terrestrial networks, thus commercial satellite operators should not receive preferential pricing.

Last month, Bharti Group chairman Sunil Mittal urged the Centre to formulate a satcom policy that does not discriminate against terrestrial providers, especially in urban areas. 

Meanwhile, the Centre is said to be preparing to grant Starlink a GMPCS licence, which will allow the Elon Musk-led company to offer satellite broadband services in the country.

Currently, only Bharti Group-backed Eutelsat OneWeb and Reliance-owned Orbit Connect have received GMPCS licences and approval from IN-SPACe.