Airtel has signed an agreement with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s satellite internet to India. The deal depends on SpaceX getting approval from authorities to sell Starlink services in the country.
With this partnership, Airtel and SpaceX will look at ways to work together, stated the press release shared by Airtel.
Airtel may sell Starlink equipment in its stores and offer Starlink’s services to businesses. They also plan to use Starlink to bring the internet to rural schools, health centers, and remote areas. Airtel and SpaceX will also explore how Starlink can support Airtel’s network and how SpaceX can use Airtel’s infrastructure in India.
Airtel already works with Eutelsat OneWeb for satellite internet. Adding Starlink will help Airtel expand its coverage to areas with little or no internet. Businesses and communities in remote locations will also get more options for high-speed connectivity.
“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,” said Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and Vice Chairman, Bharti Airtel.
"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.
Gwynne Shotwell, President 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," Shitwell added.
Source: India Today