Airtel and SpaceX Join Forces for Starlink Launch in India

Bharti Airtel has partnered with Elon Musk's SpaceX to launch Starlink satellite internet in India. Both companies aim to provide services for businesses, schools, and remote areas. The agreement depends on regulatory approvals for Starlink, marking a strategic move after discussions between Musk and India's Prime Minister Modi.

India's telecom giant Bharti Airtel announced on Tuesday its partnership with SpaceX for the launch of Starlink satellite internet in India. This deal comes amidst ongoing discussions about regulatory frameworks between SpaceX and local entities.

Starlink has experienced hurdles in its attempt to penetrate the Indian market, primarily due to spectrum allocation disputes with Mukesh Ambani's firm. The government, favoring a non-auctioned spectrum assignment, aligns with Musk's vision, though official approval remains pending for SpaceX.

Through this collaboration, Airtel and SpaceX are set to extend Starlink internet services to business clients, educational institutions, and healthcare centers in underserved regions. The partnership underlines an effort to leverage Airtel's existing infrastructure for broader network expansion, with recent talks between Elon Musk and Prime Minister Modi bolstering these initiatives.

(With inputs from agencies.)