March 12, New Delhi: In a major step towards strengthening digital infrastructure, both Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel have announced alliances with Space X. This step was taken to introduce Starlink’s satellite-based infrastructure a major step towards strengthening India’s digital infrastructure, both Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel have made announcements of tie-ups with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to introduce Starlink’s satellite-based internet connectivity to the nation.
These deals, pending regulatory clearances, will bring high-speed internet connectivity to India’s hinterland and unserved areas, representing a milestone toward digital inclusion.
Reliance Jio’s Partnership with SpaceX
Reliance Jio, under the leadership of Mukesh Ambani, announced on March 12, 2025, its partnership with SpaceX to incorporate Starlink’s satellite internet services into its portfolio. This is subject to SpaceX receiving authorization to conduct Starlink in India. The tie-up aims to identify the potential for Starlink to complement Jio’s current broadband solutions, such as JioAirFiber and JioFiber, to bring high-speed internet to areas where conventional fiber networks are difficult to install.
Jio has been planning under this agreement to sell Starlink hardware through its wide network of retail stores and websites. The company will also have mechanisms in place to facilitate customer service, installation, and activation, so the users stay connected seamlessly.
Mathew Oommen, Reliance Jio Group CEO, highlighted the revolutionary aspect of this partnership, saying, “Our partnership with SpaceX to introduce Starlink in India reinforces our commitment and represents a revolutionary leap towards ubiquitous broadband connectivity for everyone. By incorporating Starlink into Jio’s broadband network, we are broadening our reach and making high-speed broadband more reliable and accessible in this AI age, empowering businesses and communities nationwide.”
Bharti Airtel’s Deal with SpaceX
A day earlier, on March 11, 2025, India’s second-largest telecommunication operator Bharti Airtel announced its own deal with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s satellite internet offerings. Like Jio’s deal, this partnership will depend on whether SpaceX can obtain the appropriate approvals to market Starlink in India. The deal is designed to look into how Starlink will augment and broaden Airtel’s current portfolio, delivering greater internet reach across the country.
Under the agreement, Airtel and SpaceX will discuss possibilities of selling Starlink hardware in Airtel retail outlets and offering Starlink services to business clients. The two companies are also discussing opportunities to link communities, schools, and health centers in even the most remote areas of India, thus playing their part in bridging the digital divide.
Regulatory Considerations and Spectrum Allocation
Starlink’s entry into India has been a subject of widespread debate, specifically regarding satellite spectrum allocation. Indian telecommunications majors like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel have espoused auctioning the spectrum in line with the competitive behavior of the mobile market. SpaceX’s Starlink, however, has supported administrative allocation, which is in line with international practice. The government of India has shown a preference for allocating spectrum over auctioning it, consonant with Elon Musk’s position, even though Starlink’s license remains in process. Implications for India’s Digital Ecosystem
The partnerships between SpaceX’s Starlink and India’s top telecom players, Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, are set to revolutionize the digital landscape of the country. With the use of satellite-based internet services, these partnerships will ensure reliable and high-speed broadband connectivity to areas that have hitherto been underserved or were not connected to the internet at all. This effort is in line with the overall objective of filling the digital divide and enabling inclusive growth in the digital economy.
In addition, such collaborations reflect a strategic change in the Indian telecom industry, where established service providers are adopting cutting-edge technologies to expand their service portfolio. The addition of satellite-based internet services is likely to complement existing broadband infrastructures, including fiber-optic networks, and offer end-to-end connectivity across varied geographies.
Conclusion
The partnerships between SpaceX’s Starlink and India’s telecom behemoths, Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, are a watershed moment in the nation’s drive toward inclusive digital connectivity. With the help of satellite-based internet services, these partnerships promise to bring reliable and high-speed broadband to every nook and cranny of India, empowering people, enterprises, and communities to engage in full measure with the digital economy.
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