SpaceX’s Starlink has signed a deal with India’s second-largest telecom company, Airtel, to distribute its satellite internet services across the country.
The agreement will allow Starlink to use Airtel’s retail network to sell its devices, though the launch is still subject to government approval, reports Reuters.
Both companies are also exploring the possibility of sharing network infrastructure to improve coverage, Airtel said on Tuesday, but specific details were not provided. Airtel may also offer Starlink services to its business and other customers.
The announcement follows Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent meeting with Elon Musk in Washington, where they discussed topics like space, mobility, and technology.
Starlink’s entry into India adds competition for Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio, which had previously clashed with Starlink over how satellite spectrum should be allocated. While Reliance Jio pushed for an auction, the Indian government sided with Musk’s preference for administrative allocation, in line with global trends. Analysts say an auction could have deterred foreign investment due to higher costs.
Ambani is reportedly concerned that Starlink could draw away broadband customers, and eventually even data and voice clients.
Airtel already has a distribution deal with global satellite provider Eutelsat, in which its parent company holds a stake. Meanwhile, Eutelsat’s OneWeb and Reliance Jio have secured approvals from India’s space regulator to launch commercial satellite broadband services.
