NEW DELHI: Airtel scored a massive edge in the domestic telecom market by striking an agreement with Elon Musk’s Starlink satcom venture, announcing a deal on Tuesday to market the broadband and internet satellite services of the American company while also using its network to supplement its coverage across the country.
However, the work on the partnership will only start once Starlink – which is awaiting official approval – gets a go-ahead from the security establishment even as govt works out pricing and other modalities to accord satellite spectrum to satcom companies on an administrative basis.
“This is the first agreement to be signed in India, which is subject to SpaceX receiving its own authorizations to sell Starlink in India. It enables Airtel and SpaceX to further explore how Starlink can complement and expand Airtel’s offerings, and how Airtel’s expertise in the Indian market complements SpaceX’s direct offerings to consumers and businesses,” Airtel said in a statement that also had comments from the leadership of SpaceX, the company that operates Musk’s satcom venture.
Interestingly, Airtel closed the deal with Starlink even as the company and its promoter, Sunil Mittal has a stake in Eutelsat One Web, which has already received a government license to operate satcom services in India and now awaits spectrum allocation. A deal between the two companies is also surprising as Airtel had recently joined hands with compatriot and fellow telco Reliance Jio to oppose administrative spectrum to satcom companies such as Starlink, requesting that they be given airwaves only through auction.
The move will now see the two companies work out retail and network optimization efforts while Starlink awaits regulatory approval, they said. “Airtel and SpaceX will explore offering Starlink equipment in Airtel’s retail stores, Starlink services via Airtel to business customers, opportunities to connect communities, schools, and health centers, among many others, in even the most rural parts of India,” the companies said, adding that they will also explore “how Starlink could help expand and enhance the Airtel network, as well as SpaceX’s ability to utilize and benefit from Airtel’s ground network infrastructure and other capabilities in the country.”
Gopal Vittal, MD & vice chairman of Bharti Airtel, said working with SpaceX to offer Starlink to Airtel customers is a “significant milestone” and demonstrates the company’s commitment to offer next-generation satellite connectivity. “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. 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,” Vittal said.
Gwynne Shotwell, President and Chief Operating Officer of SpaceX, said the company is “excited to work with Airtel and unlock the transformative impact” Starlink can bring in India. “We are constantly amazed by the incredible and inspiring things that people, businesses and organizations do when they are connected via Starlink… 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.”
Airtel said it remains committed to offer comprehensive and reliable connectivity and digital solutions leveraging advanced technology with a focus on customer-centric services. “By adding Starlink, (in addition to its existing alliance with Eutelsat OneWeb) to its offerings, Airtel will further its ability to offer nationwide connectivity and connect previously underserved areas, particularly those with limited to no coverage today. With Starlink enterprise suite, Airtel will be able to offer enterprises, businesses, and communities comprehensive and seamless connectivity packages,” the company said.