ADVERTISEMENTs
Musk's Starlink, India's Airtel tie up to challenge Ambani in broadband race
The pact will allow the U.S. satellite internet giant to utilize Airtel's retail store network to distribute its devices throughout India, and is conditional upon Starlink obtaining government approval to begin operations in the country.
.jpeg)
A Bharti Airtel office building is pictured in Gurugram, previously known as Gurgaon, on the outskirts of New Delhi, India April 21, 2016. / REUTERS/Adnan Abidi/File Photo
Elon Musk's Starlink has signed a deal with India's No. 2 telecoms company Airtel to bring Starlink's internet services to the world's most populous country, intensifying rivalry with fellow billionaire Mukesh Ambani's telecom firm Reliance Jio.
The pact will allow the U.S. satellite internet giant to utilize Airtel's retail store network to distribute its devices throughout India, and is conditional upon Starlink obtaining government approval to begin operations in the country.
Also Read: Modi talks space and 'good governance' with Musk in Washingto
Airtel said on March 11 the companies will look at using each other's network infrastructure to enhance coverage, but didn't provide details. Airtel will also explore offering Starlink services to its business and other customers.
The Starlink announcement comes weeks after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Elon Musk in Washington where they discussed issues including space, mobility, technology and innovation.
Starlink, which has long wanted to launch in India, has clashed recently with Ambani's telecom firm Reliance Jio over how the country should grant spectrum for satellite services.
Reliance had urged an auction but the Indian government sided with Musk, who wanted it to be allocated administratively, in line with global trends. Analysts say an auction, requiring much more investment, would likely deter foreign rivals.
Ambani has been worried that his telecom company, which spent $19 billion in airwave auctions, risks losing broadband customers to Starlink and potentially even data and voice clients later.
Airtel has a similar distribution agreement with global satellite group Eutelsat, where its parent entity owns a stake.
Eutelsat's OneWeb and Reliance Jio have already won approvals from India's space regulator to launch commercial satellite broadband services in the country.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
ADVERTISEMENT
.jpg)
Video
.jpeg)
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login