Airtel and Jio Partner with SpaceX to Launch Starlink Internet in India

The agreements, pending regulatory approval, aim to expand high-speed satellite internet access to rural and remote areas across the country.

India's top telecom operators, Airtel and Jio, have signed separate agreements with SpaceX to bring Starlink satellite internet services to the Indian market.
Both deals are contingent on SpaceX obtaining regulatory clearance from Indian authorities, including adherence to data localization and security requirements.
The partnerships will make Starlink equipment available through Airtel and Jio's retail and online channels, with support for installation and activation services.
These collaborations aim to enhance digital connectivity in underserved rural areas, complementing existing broadband services like JioFiber and Airtel's OneWeb initiative.
The agreements come after months of debate over spectrum allocation methods, with the Indian government favoring administrative allocation over auctions, aligning with global trends.