Elon Musk’s SpaceX is set to launch satellite internet services in India, partnering with two of the country’s largest telecom operators, Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio. The deal marks a significant milestone for the Indian market, providing high-speed internet access to remote areas.
According to Sandeep Budki, a journalist and telecom expert, the service will offer “last mile connectivity” in rural areas where traditional internet services are scarce or slow. Satellite technology will enable coverage even in open areas, making it an ideal solution for rural connectivity.
Airtel and Jio will stock Starlink equipment in their retail stores, giving the platform a direct distribution point across thousands of outlets. The partnership is conditional on Starlink obtaining government approval to begin operations in India.
Initially, the technology will be used for business-to-business services such as enterprises and factories. However, it’s expected that the service will expand to consumer markets, with prices dependent on subsidies. Budki believes that Airtel and Jio will offer free trials to attract customers.
India is the latest market for Starlink, which already operates in over 125 countries worldwide. The country has seen significant adoption of the platform, particularly in Ukraine, where it provides critical internet connectivity for army commands and coordinated efforts.
The agreement follows a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Elon Musk in Washington last month, signaling the tech mogul’s growing business interests in India. With SpaceX preparing to enter the Indian market with its electric vehicle division, this partnership marks an exciting development for the country’s telecommunications sector.
Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/starlink-airtel-jio-internet-deal-how-will-elon-musks-starlink-help-indian-internet-users-expert-says-this-7908353