Elon Musk's Starlink high-speed internet all set to grab mighty Indian market; SpaceX signs pact with Bharti Airtel

NEW DELHI: Airtel signed a monumental deal with Elon Musk-owned SpaceX for Starlink high-speed internet services. Airtel said the agreement would ensure high-speed internet to customers across India, mostly in rural sectors. Airtel and SpaceX will provide Starlink equipment through Airtel retail stores, the company said.

Airtel officials kept hope that the agreement would provide services to business customers, communities, schools, healthcare centers, and rural areas. At first, Starlink needs to obtain legal approval to begin operations in the country. Starlink applied for the GMPCS license in October 2022. Since the agreement has been signed now, the central government must grant permission to acquire the trial spectrum and begin initial operations.

Gopal Vittal, MD and Vice Chairman, Bharti Airtel, said, "Our goal is to provide world-class high-speed internet to every corner of India and provide reliable internet services to every individual and for business needs."

Last year, Musk announced plans to bring SpaceX's high-speed internet service, Starlink, to India. The world’s richest man even held several meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to contemplate the issue.