Internet By Starlink in India: Jio and Airtel Partnership with SpaceX
Jio Platforms Limited, controlled by Mukesh Ambani, has set up a strategic arrangement with SpaceX to bring Starlink satellite internet to India. The announcement came out on Wednesday, right after Bharti Airtel disclosed its much-publicized partnership with SpaceX around similar services. The deal hinges on SpaceX securing regulatory approval for operating Starlink in India.
Bringing high-speed satellite internet to every far corner and neglected pocket of India is Jio’s promise with the Starlink solution distributed through Jio retail stores and online. Functioning as the world’s largest mobile operator by data traffic and Starlink, the leader in low Earth orbit satellite technology, Jio anticipates that this partnership will bring about a broadband connectivity revolution across India.
Under this collaboration, Jio will provide Starlink equipment for sale in its shops, as well as installation help and maintenance support for Jio’s customers. This project will be in line with Jio’s overarching mission to ensure reliable internet access for enterprises, small businesses and medium businesses, and rural communities.
Beyond simply providing internet services, Jio and SpaceX have looked into synergizing their infra further to build India’s digital landscape. It would imply solutions in connectivity, accessibility, and new openings for business and community.
Mathew Oommen, Group CEO of Reliance Jio, pointed out that this is the true meaning of this collaboration: “Bringing Starlink to India is truly a redefining step towards seamless broadband connectivity for all. By bringing Starlink into the broadband ecosystem of Jio, we extend our reach and heighten reliability in high-speed internet in this AI-proliferated era, empowering communities and businesses across the nation.”
Airtel Joins an Existing Pack for Satellite Internet
This tie-up with SpaceX was Bharti Airtel’s announcement on Tuesday as part of bringing Starlink satellite Internet services into India. Like Airtel’s announcement, subject to regulatory approval for starting operations will also apply to the deal.
Airtel’s plan includes scouting ways to provide Starlink equipment through the company’s retail network and selling high-speed satellite internet to businesses. The endemic focus will be on improving the link for rural schools, health care centers, and isolated communities that go a long way in closing the digital divide.
Airtel and SpaceX are also establishing mechanisms through which the satellite technology Starlink will work with Airtel’s existing infrastructure while having a portion of its ground network in India on that name. This will enable Airtel to strengthen its multi-pronged approach towards creating digital connectivity nationwide, which eventually benefits businesses and communities with high-speed, reliable internet. It is transforming the digital landscape of India, as Jio and Airtel have stepped into the satellite internet segment.
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