Airtel Partners With Elon Musk’s SpaceX to Bring Starlink to India
Airtel on Tuesday announced an agreement with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to bring Starlink’s high-speed internet services to India. This agreement depends on SpaceX receiving authorizations to sell Starlink in India.
Airtel may sell Starlink equipment in Airtel retail stores, and both the companies will explore ways to offer internet in schools and health centers in the most rural parts of India. Airtel and SpaceX will also explore how Starlink could help expand and enhance the Airtel network, as well as SpaceX’s ability to utilize and benefit from Airtel’s ground network infrastructure and other capabilities in India, said Airtel.
“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 Ltd.
“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 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 organizations 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,” she added.
