Airtel, Elon Musk's SpaceX strike deal to bring Starlink's high-speed internet to India

Indian telecom giant Bharti Airtel has signed an agreement with Elon Musk's space technology firm SpaceX to introduce Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet services in India, the company said on Tuesday.

The agreement, a first to bring Starlink's internet in India, will allow both companies to explore opportunities for expanding connectivity, especially in remote and underserved areas.

The deal "enables Airtel and SpaceX to further explore how Starlink can complement and expand Airtel’s offerings, and how Airtel’s expertise in the Indian market complements SpaceX’s direct offerings to consumers and businesses," the telecom major said in an exchange filing.

Under the pact, Airtel and SpaceX will explore offering Starlink equipment at Airtel's retail stores, Starlink services via Airtel to business customers, opportunities to connect communities, schools, and health centres, among many others, in even the most distant rural parts of India.

Commenting on the development, Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and Vice Chairman of Bharti Airtel, said, "Working with SpaceX to offer Starlink to Airtel customers in India is a significant milestone and further demonstrates our commitment to next-generation satellite connectivity."

Gwynne Shotwell, President and Chief Operating Officer of SpaceX, said, "We are excited to work with Airtel and unlock the transformative impact Starlink can bring to the people of India. We are constantly amazed by the incredible and inspiring things that people, businesses and organizations do when they are connected via Starlink."

Starlink has been actively exploring ways to bring satellite internet to India.

The announcement comes weeks after Elon Musk, who also heads the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed strengthening collaboration between India and the US in innovation, space exploration, artificial intelligence, and sustainable development.

The tech billionaire, a close ally of former US President Donald Trump, has been keen on expanding his business interests in India, particularly through his satellite internet venture.