NEW DELHI – After months of struggling to secure a foothold in India’s highly competitive internet market, Elon Musk’s Starlink is now on the verge of entering the country—thanks to an unexpected partnership with India’s two largest telecom giants. Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel have announced a strategic collaboration to bring Starlink’s satellite internet services to India, pending final approval from the government.
A Sudden Shift in Starlink’s Indian Strategy
Starlink, a subsidiary of Musk’s SpaceX, had previously faced significant regulatory roadblocks in India. In 2021, the Indian government ordered the company to halt pre-orders for its satellite internet service, citing licensing concerns. Since then, Starlink has fought to gain a presence in one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing internet markets.
The recent announcement by Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel—two of India’s telecom powerhouses—marks a dramatic turn in Starlink’s fortunes. Instead of competing independently, Starlink is now aligning with India’s telecom leaders to introduce its services in the country. The collaboration is still awaiting clearance from Indian authorities, who have previously raised concerns about national security and regulatory compliance related to foreign satellite communication services.
What This Means for India’s Internet Market
If approved, the partnership could bring high-speed, low-latency satellite internet to remote and underserved areas across India, where traditional broadband infrastructure is limited. Starlink’s technology is particularly well-suited for rural connectivity, a major challenge in India’s digital expansion.
However, the deal also raises questions about market competition. While Starlink initially aimed to enter India as an independent satellite internet provider, partnering with existing telecom giants could reshape pricing, accessibility, and competition in the sector.
Regulatory Hurdles and Government Stance
Despite this breakthrough, Starlink’s entry into India is not yet guaranteed. The Indian government has maintained a cautious approach toward foreign satellite internet services, emphasizing the need for strict regulatory compliance, spectrum allocation rules, and security clearances.
What’s Next for Starlink in India?
If the partnership receives government approval, India could become one of Starlink’s largest markets, further accelerating India’s push toward universal digital connectivity. The move also aligns with India’s Digital India initiative, which aims to bridge the urban-rural digital divide.
For now, industry stakeholders are closely watching how the Indian government responds. If Starlink secures its entry, it could revolutionize India’s broadband landscape, making satellite internet a mainstream option for millions of users across the country. (zai)