Airtel signs agreement with Elon Musk’s ‘Spacex’; Will sell Starlink equipment in India

 

 

Airtel has signed a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to bring Starlink high-speed internet services to customers in India. Airtel said in a statement that this is the first deal in India. This has allowed SpaceX to sell Starlink equipment in India. Airtel and SpaceX will explore opportunities to deploy Starlink devices in Airtel’s retail stores, Starlink services through Airtel to business customers, and connect communities, schools and health centers, even in rural areas of India, the Indian telecom company said in a statement. “Working with SpaceX to offer Starlink to Airtel customers in India is a significant milestone and we are committed to next-generation satellite connectivity,” said Gopal Vitthal, Managing Director and Vice Chairman, Bharti Airtel Limited.

 

 

Starlink, owned by SpaceX, is a satellite internet company that aims to offer global mobile broadband. Streaming, video calls, online gaming, remote working and more are possible even in remote locations with the help of the world’s most advanced internet system. High-speed broadband will be available even in remote areas “This collaboration enhances our ability to deliver world-class high-speed broadband to even the most remote areas of India, bringing internet access to every individual, business and community. Starlink will complement Airtel’s suite of products to ensure reliable and affordable broadband to our Indian customers in every corner,” Vittal said in a statement. “The Airtel team has played a significant role in India’s telecommunications history, so working with them to complement SpaceX’s direct offering makes a lot of sense for the business,” said Gwen Shotwell, President and CEO of SpaceX.

 

“We are excited to work with Airtel and showcase the transformative impact Starlink can have on people in India. We are continually amazed by the incredible and inspiring things that people, businesses, and organizations connected by Starlink are doing,” said Gwen Shotwell.

 

 

Reliance Jio currently dominates India’s broadband market with over 14 million wired subscribers. Jio has nearly 500 million mobile internet users. Airtel also has nearly 300 million broadband subscribers. However, after spending over $20 billion in spectrum auctions, it is now worried that it is at risk of losing customers to Elon Musk’s Starlink due to advances in satellite technology.