Sat Mar 15 20:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Indian Telecom Giants Partner with Starlink Despite Past Regulatory Hurdles

**New Delhi, March 16, 2025** – India’s leading telecom companies, Airtel and Jio Platforms, have announced partnerships with SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service, marking a significant development after years of regulatory hurdles for the American company. The agreements, announced days apart, follow a White House meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump last month, where Modi reportedly discussed various technological collaborations with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk.

Both Airtel and Jio emphasized that the partnerships are contingent upon Starlink receiving the necessary operating licenses from the Indian government. Airtel plans to explore offering Starlink products in its retail stores and Starlink services to business clients. Jio, already offering its own satellite internet service through a partnership with SES, will now also collaborate with Starlink.

The announcements come amid a backdrop of previous setbacks for Starlink in India. In early 2022, the company was forced to refund pre-orders after being denied an operating license. In December 2024, Starlink equipment was seized in Manipur, an incident Musk publicly refuted.

While Starlink’s availability in India remains pending regulatory approval, the high-profile partnerships suggest a potential shift in the Indian government’s stance. Currently, only Bhutan among India’s neighbours officially allows Starlink service, although some Bangladeshi companies are reportedly in discussions. The agreements highlight the increasing interest in satellite internet technology in India and the potential competition it poses to existing telecom providers. The differing satellite technologies and orbital positions of Starlink, OneWeb, and JioSpaceFiber present a complex landscape for consumers and the Indian market.

Read More