Airtel and Jio, two of India’s largest telecom giants, have entered into agreements with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s internet services to their customers in India.
These agreements, pending regulatory approvals, signify a major step in enhancing internet connectivity across the country, particularly in underserved rural regions.
Reliance Jio has 476.58 million Internet subscribers (wired and wireless) at the end of December 2024. This includes 11.48 million fixed broadband customers and 465.10 million mobile Internet subscribers, according to TRAI data.
Bharti Airtel has 289.31 million Internet subscribers (wired and wireless) at the end of December 2024. This includes 8.55 million fixed broadband customers and 280.76 million mobile Internet subscribers.
The latest TRAI data indicates that satellite-based Internet service has a major potential for growth in India. At present, India has 41.19 million fixed broadband subscribers and 898.57 million mobile Internet users at the end of December 2024.
Gwynne Shotwell, President and Chief Operating Officer of SpaceX, reiterated the company’s enthusiasm for the two partnerships, expressing a commitment to expanding access to Starlink’s high-speed internet services across India, pending government authorization.
Airtel’s partnership with SpaceX
Airtel’s partnership with SpaceX will explore multiple avenues to integrate Starlink into its service portfolio. The telecom provider aims to offer Starlink equipment through its retail stores and provide enterprise customers with new connectivity solutions.
Additionally, the collaboration will focus on connecting remote communities, schools, and healthcare centers, leveraging Airtel’s extensive market expertise and infrastructure to support SpaceX’s services.
The partnership also complements Airtel’s existing satellite strategy, which includes an alliance with Eutelsat OneWeb, further expanding its reach and reinforcing its commitment to comprehensive nationwide connectivity.
Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and Vice Chairman of Bharti Airtel, said: “Working with SpaceX will enhance Airtel’s ability to provide high-speed broadband in even the most remote areas of India.”
Jio Platforms agreement with SpaceX
Similarly, Jio Platforms (JPL) has signed an agreement with SpaceX to integrate Starlink into its broadband offerings.
Under this partnership, Jio will distribute Starlink equipment through its retail and online outlets, ensuring widespread access to reliable satellite broadband. Leveraging its position as the world’s largest mobile operator in terms of data traffic, Jio aims to enhance its broadband ecosystem by integrating Starlink with its existing JioFiber and JioAirFiber services. This move will enable Jio to rapidly extend high-speed internet coverage to even the most challenging locations in India.
Beyond retail distribution, Jio and SpaceX are exploring additional areas of collaboration to leverage their respective infrastructure and enhance India’s digital ecosystem.
Mathew Oommen, Group CEO of Reliance Jio, highlighted that the agreement aligns with Jio’s mission to provide affordable and reliable broadband to every Indian, further solidifying the company’s role in driving digital transformation.
These agreements mark a pivotal moment in India’s Internet connectivity, with Airtel and Jio leveraging Starlink’s satellite technology to bridge the digital divide. As regulatory approvals are finalized, both telecom providers are poised to redefine internet accessibility, ensuring seamless and affordable broadband connectivity for millions across India.
Baburajan Kizhakedath
