Indian Telcos Airtel & Jio Partner With SpaceX’s Starlink For Fast Satellite-Based Internet

“Internet from Space for Humans on Earth.”

This is what SpaceX’s Starlink is all about, as per the company’s website homepage.

Starlink brings reliable, stable, high-speed internet connectivity to users worldwide through a network of low earth orbit (LEO) satellites launched into space. This connectivity is available even for hard-to-reach remote areas that lack any form of connectivity—wired or wireless.

At least, that’s the plan. So far, Starlink’s services are available for people, businesses, and organizations in over 125 countries, territories, and other markets around the world.

Across all 7 continents and oceans, over 5 million people are enjoying Starlink’s internet connectivity. Meanwhile, some countries are awaiting the service’s availability, where it’s either expected to commence soon or is pending regulatory approval.

India is one such country, where Starlink is preparing to begin operations post obtaining government authorization, and it’s believed the approval might come soon as two major telecommunication network providers—Airtel and Jio—have signed partnerships with Starlink for its satellite internet connectivity.

Both telcos also provided wired broadband internet connectivity across the country and other wireless internet connectivity options. Airtel is the second largest mobile network operator in the world and is followed by Jio in third.

Bharti Airtel Limited

On March 11, 2025, Airtel—formally known as Bharti Airtel Limited—announced that it had reached an agreement with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s high-speed internet services to its customers in India.

This marked the first such agreement to be signed in India.

The move, which is subject to whether Starlink receives its own authorizations to operate in the country, will help the two companies explore how Starlink’s services can complement and expand Airtel’s offerings in India. On the flip side, Airtel’s expertise in the Indian market will help SpaceX’s plan to offer services directly to consumers and businesses, as well as leverage Airtel’s ground network infrastructure and other capabilities.

The two will also explore bringing Starlink’s equipment to Airtel’s retail stores, expanding Starlink’s services to Airtel’s business customers, enabling opportunities to connect communities, schools, and health centers (including rural areas), and other possible avenues.

With over 352 million mobile customers in India, Airtel is the second-largest mobile network operator. The company also operates in Africa (152.7 million) and South Asia (2.9 million).


“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,” said Gopal Vittal, MD and Vice Chairman, Bharti Airtel Ltd. “This collaboration enhances our ability to bring world-class high-speed broadband to even the most remote parts of India, ensuring that every individual, business, and community has reliable internet.”

“We are excited to work with Airtel and unlock the transformative impact Starlink can bring to the people of India,” said Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO of SpaceX. “The team at Airtel has played a pivotal role in India’s telecom story, so working with them to complement our direct offering makes great sense for our business.”

Jio Platforms Limited

One day after Airtel’s announcement, rival Jio AKA Reliance Jio (formally known as Jio Platforms Limited) announced a similar deal.

Jio will also bring Starlink’s services to its almost 500 million customers following SpaceX’s successful regulatory approval.

The two will work together to extend Jio’s offerings in the country while Jio will complement SpaceX’s direct offerings to consumers and businesses. Jio will also make Starlink’s solutions available through its retail stores and online storefronts. Jio will also set up a system to support customer services and Starlink installation.

The move will leverage Jio’s position as the world's largest mobile operator in terms of data traffic and Starlink’s position as the leading LEO satellite constellation operator to deliver reliable and affordable broadband services across the country, including rural areas.

This also includes bringing reliable internet connectivity to enterprises, SMEs, and other organizations and communities, as well as adding value to Jio’s JioAirFiber (a wireless service that uses 5G radio signals) and JioFiber (a wired service that uses fiber optic cables) products.


“Ensuring that every Indian, no matter where they live, has access to affordable and high-speed broadband remains Jio’s top priority,” said Mathew Oommen, Group CEO, Reliance Jio. “By integrating Starlink into Jio’s broadband ecosystem, we are expanding our reach and enhancing the reliability and accessibility of highspeed broadband in this AI-driven era, empowering communities and businesses across the country.”

“We applaud Jio’s commitment to advancing India’s connectivity,” said SpaceX’s Gwynne Shotwell. “We are looking forward to working with Jio and receiving authorization from the Government of India to provide more people, organizations, and businesses with access to Starlink’s high-speed internet services.”

Do you think these moves will provide Airtel and Jio with an upper hand against their competitors?

Let us know in the comments below!