Starlink is finally making its debut in India. The company has joined forces with Airtel and Jio to facilitate this launch. An official release from both companies confirms their collaboration with Elon Musk's Starlink, indicating a significant opportunity for Satellite Internet services in the region.
Notably, Starlink offers low-orbit satellite internet services, bridging the connectivity gap in remote areas where fiber optics and cable networks are unavailable, such as forests and mountainous regions. So far, both Jio and Airtel have refrained from providing comprehensive details about their rollout plans for Starlink.
Both companies have highlighted that
Starlink
equipment and complimentary customer services will be accessible through their retail outlets. Airtel clarified that its stores would stock Starlink equipment, with services tailored for business customers. This collaboration is poised to enhance Starlink's reach and optimize Airtel's network.
Read More: After Airtel's collaboration, Reliance Jio partners with Starlink to provide satellite-based internet services
Conversely, Jio announced that Starlink solutions would be available online and at Jio-stores, augmenting JioAirFiber and JioFiber by delivering high-speed internet to the most challenging locations. Exploring additional collaborative opportunities within India's digital ecosystem, both companies are committed to enhancing connectivity.
Source: aajtak
There remains some curiosity about how Starlink will function in tandem with both Jio and Airtel. While explicit details remain scarce, both companies are likely to retail and distribute Starlink equipment via their networks.
This implies that Starlink products might not be sold directly but will be included in Jio and Airtel’s service portfolio. For instance, Starlink plans may feature within Airtel and Jio’s service offerings, bringing Starlink’s connectivity to consumers through their networks.
Starlink might not directly penetrate the market; it could be bundled with Jio and Airtel's plans. Despite the lack of concrete information, Bharti Enterprises Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal suggested telecom and satellite players should collaborate to extend connectivity. He shared this vision at the Mobile World Congress 2025.
Mittal remarked, 'The inclusion of satellite technology is akin to introducing a new technology to the telecom industry. Just as consumers evolved from 4G, 5G, and onwards to 6G, SAT-G represents another technological advancement.'
Explore Further: Airtel-Jio-Starlink Deal: Will Internet Users Benefit or Face Losses? Cost Analysis in the US
Last year, when India's government opted for an administrative approach for satellite spectrum allocation instead of auctions, Jio and Airtel contested the decision, whilst Starlink was on the opposing side. Musk critiqued the auction model, endorsing the administrative route. It seems the trio has reconciled, crafting a collaborative path that will deploy Starlink services through Jio and Airtel.
