HIGHLIGHTS
- Bharti Airtel is the first Indian telecom operator to launch an agreement with Startlink in India.
- Jio is the second telecom after Bharti Airtel to announce an agreement with Space’X Starlink.
- The partnerships are subject to Starlink receiving government approval in India.
Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio are two popular telecom companies out there and they have announced plans to introduce Elon Musk’s satellite-based internet service, Starlink, to India. According to press releases issued by both companies, the rollout will depend on Starlink securing the necessary approvals from the Indian government.
If the approval gets successful, both companies will be the first Indian operators to offer Starlink’s services in the country. Here’s everything you need to know.
Airtel and Reliance Jio to bring Starlink in India
Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio, two of India’s top telecom companies, have announced plans to introduce Starlink to India. Bharti Airtel is the first telecom to announce their plan to bring Starlink’s high-speed internet services to its customers in India. The company shared the announcement on X post, and says that it’s the first agreement to be signed in India which is contingent upon SpaceX obtaining the necessary authorizations to sell Starlink in India. Right after Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio introduced the same by posting on X (formerly Twitter).
Bharti Airtel also claimed that they will collaborate with SpaceX to explore ways in order to expand Airtel’s offerings. The partnership will initially focus on how Airtel’s deep expertise in the Indian market can complement SpaceX’s direct services to both consumers and businesses. For those who don’t know, Startlink is Elon Musk’s company SpaceX’s planning to take the internet to other parts of the world.
Starlink has been waiting for commercial approval in India since 2022, but there’s still no clear timeline for a decision. The delays are reportedly due to national security concerns. Although, Reliance Jio and Airtel have not announced anything about the offering details with Starlink. But the company claimed that the offer will be available in retail stores with Starlink equipment and complementary customer service.
With the partnership with Startlink, both companies Airtel and Reliance Jio will provide the high-speed internet to its consumers in India. Meanwhile, Tesla has secured a five-year lease for its first showroom in India starting with Mumbai and second in Delhi. Although, it seems that Elon Musk companies are finally entering the Indian market.
