Bharti Airtel Joins Forces with SpaceX to Bring Starlink Internet to India
In a key step towards making India's internet connectivity revolutionary, Bharti Airtel partnered with Elon Musk's SpaceX to launch Starlink's high-speed satellite internet services. The alliance, however, is pending upon SpaceX obtaining necessary approvals to operate its satellite-based services in the nation, said Airtel in a press release.
The deal is intended to use the technology of Starlink to augment and strengthen Airtel's current offerings, while Airtel's extensive market knowledge will assist SpaceX in growing Indian businesses and homes.
Gopal Vittal, Bharti Airtel Managing Director and Vice Chairman, had the following to say about the collaboration, "Partnering with SpaceX to provide Starlink services to our customers in India is an important milestone. This partnership strengthens our capability to deliver world-class high-speed broadband to even the most rural corners of India, making every person, business, and community access a reliable internet".
Part of the deal includes Airtel and SpaceX discussing retailing Starlink hardware through Airtel outlets, providing Starlink service to business customers, and providing internet to rural communities, schools, and hospitals. The firms will also discuss how Starlink can support Airtel's network coverage, while SpaceX can leverage Airtel's ground infrastructure to strengthen its own in the Indian market.
The alliance reflects both firms' dedication to narrowing India's digital divide, with the promise of internet access at affordable and reliable rates throughout the nation's diverse and expansive regions.
