Wed Mar 12 07:12:59 UTC 2025: ## Airtel Partners with SpaceX to Bring Starlink to India

**New Delhi, March 11, 2025** – Bharti Airtel, India’s leading telecom operator, announced today a partnership with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet service to India. This marks the first agreement of its kind in India and is contingent upon SpaceX securing necessary authorizations to operate in the country.

The collaboration will see Airtel exploring various avenues to distribute Starlink’s services, including offering Starlink equipment in Airtel retail stores and providing Starlink connectivity to business customers. The partnership aims to expand internet access to remote and underserved areas of India, connecting communities, schools, and healthcare facilities.

SpaceX Chief Operating Officer Gwynne Shotwell expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the transformative potential of Starlink for the Indian population. The announcement follows a recent meeting between SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where they discussed strengthening collaboration in various technological fields.

While Starlink pricing in India remains unannounced, previous estimates suggested a potential annual cost of ₹158,000 for the first year, dropping to ₹115,000 in subsequent years. This contrasts with currently low internet data prices in India. However, Starlink’s satellite-based system offers a solution for areas lacking reliable internet infrastructure, providing speeds ranging from 25 to 220 Mbps. This is particularly relevant given that many remote Indian villages still lack consistent 4G connectivity.

The partnership comes at a time of significant growth in India’s internet and telecom infrastructure. Internet connections have surged from 25 crore in 2014 to over 96 crore in 2024, while broadband connections have increased by a staggering 1,452% during the same period. India is also experiencing a rapid 5G rollout. This collaboration with Starlink represents a further step towards bridging the digital divide in India and ensuring high-speed internet access reaches even the most remote corners of the country.

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