SpaceX and Airtel Partner to Start Satellite Internet in India

Partnership between Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Airtel: Preparation for satellite internet in India

Bharti Airtel has signed an important agreement with Elon Musk’s company SpaceX, which aims to bring satellite internet services to India. Under this partnership, Airtel and SpaceX are preparing to launch Starlink satellite internet service in India. Airtel officially confirmed the agreement but SpaceX is still awaiting the necessary government approval to start its services in India.

Aim of Airtel and SpaceX

Under this deal, both companies will focus on improving internet connectivity in India. Airtel’s existing services will be connected to Starlink’s satellite connectivity, which will strengthen internet services in remote areas. This will be especially beneficial in areas where traditional infrastructure is not installed. Apart from this, there is a plan to make Starlink’s equipment available in Airtel’s retail stores. This facility will be started with the aim of connecting education, health and other services in commercial and rural areas.

Future of Starlink and Airtel

One of the key objectives of this partnership is also that both companies assess how Airtel’s network can be further improved with Starlink’s satellite services. Airtel’s OneWeb satellite service project is already operational, and now joining with Starlink will expand Airtel’s internet coverage further. This agreement will open a new opportunity for Airtel, in which it will be possible to provide internet services to every corner using low-earth orbit satellite connectivity.

Companies’ views

Airtel Managing Director and Vice Chairman Gopal Vittal underlined the importance of this partnership, saying, “Our partnership with Starlink will further strengthen our internet services, which will enable broadband service to be provided to rural and remote areas of India.”

SpaceX COO Gwynne Shotwell also described this agreement as important and said, “Airtel has always played a leading role in India’s telecom industry, and working with them is a great opportunity for us.”

Background of OneWeb

It is worth noting that Airtel-backed OneWeb received permission for commercial satellite broadband services from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) in November 2023. OneWeb became the first organization to receive this approval from the Government of India. Airtel bought a minority stake in OneWeb in December 2023. OneWeb aims to provide high-speed, space-based internet services worldwide, which will make this partnership even more comprehensive.

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