Elon Musk’s Starlink has signed a partnership with Indian telecom giant Airtel to distribute its satellite internet services in India.
The agreement will see Airtel providing retail support for Starlink’s equipment and exploring ways to integrate the satellite broadband service into its services. However, the deal is subject to regulatory approval before Starlink can begin operations in the country.
Airtel confirmed the partnership on Tuesday, stating that both companies would explore ways to enhance network coverage using each other’s infrastructure. Specific details were not disclosed, but the telecom firm is also considering Starlink as an option for its business customers.
The development adds a new layer of competition to India’s telecom sector, where Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio has been at the top. Starlink’s entry has been contentious, with Jio advocating for satellite spectrum auctions instead of the administrative allocation that SpaceX prefers.
The Indian government ultimately sided with Musk’s position, aligning with trends in satellite spectrum allocation globally. Analysts suggest that an auction-based approach would have required huge financial commitments, which could discourage international players.
Jio, which has invested $19 billion in acquiring spectrum, sees Starlink as a potential threat, especially in broadband services and possibly voice and data markets in the long term. Meanwhile, Airtel has taken a more flexible approach, already maintaining a similar distribution deal with Eutelsat’s OneWeb, where its parent company holds a stake.
Starlink has long been eyeing the Indian market but previously faced regulatory limitations. In 2022, the company had to refund preorders after authorities flagged it for accepting payments before obtaining a license.
The new partnership shows a more structured approach, but final approvals from India’s Department of Telecommunications and space regulator IN-SPACe are still pending.
The timing of the deal is notable, coming just weeks after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Elon Musk in Washington, where they discussed technological collaborations.
With India pushing for better and wider connectivity, particularly in rural and underserved areas, Starlink’s satellite-based broadband could help in bridging the digital divide.
Starlink’s expansion into international markets has been aggressive. In Nigeria, the service has grown rapidly, becoming the second-largest internet service provider by subscriber count. Data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for Q4 2024 shows that Starlink now has 65,564 active subscribers, surpassing FiberOne’s 33,010.
This growth stresses the growing demand for reliable internet, particularly in regions where traditional fibre-optic providers struggle with infrastructure limitations.
The Nigerian market has also ascertained how regulatory decisions impact Starlink’s operations. A recent attempt to raise subscription prices from ₦38,000 to ₦75,000 was halted due to intervention by the NCC, though approval for a price hike was later granted in February 2025.
While telecom firms like MTN and Airtel Nigeria adjusted their prices accordingly, Starlink has yet to implement the new rates.
Despite its expansion, Starlink faces some challenges. Unlike mobile network operators, its service remains fixed to a single location, limiting its use for on-the-go connectivity. However, SpaceX has begun rolling out satellite-to-phone services in other regions to eliminate dead zones, and a future rollout in Africa remains a possibility.
In India, Starlink’s entry could change the broadband market, particularly if it secures regulatory clearance. “Starlink will complement and enhance Airtel’s suite of products to ensure reliable and affordable broadband for our Indian customers – wherever they live and work,” said Gopal Vittal, managing director and vice chairman of Bharti Airtel.
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.”
