Airtel on Tuesday signed an agreement with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to bring Starlink to India. Earlier this morning, Jio made an announcement about a similar system. The rollout of Starlink Satellite Internet services in India is expected to help two network providers to expand their service availability in areas that have so far been underscribed so far, including rural schools and health centers and other remote areas. However, if you are thinking that Starlinks will soon be available that deals are signed with Airtel and Jio, do not remove your wallet yet.

Airtel and Jio are not ready to rollout Starlink yet

While Airtel and Jio have declared a deal with Starlink, much still depends on the regulatory approval from the government for Starlink services provided in India. Airtel’s press release yesterday made it clear that the rollout of Starlink Services is “under SpaceX that is receiving its own authority to sell Starlink in India”. The same was declared by Jio in its press announcement. Essentially, while Airtel and Jio have their initial agreement to work with Stacex together with Stacex, this will be possible only when the Government of India approved the same.

SpaceX has been trying to get a starlink in India for some time

This is not the first time that SpaceX has tried to bring Starlink services to India. The Indian market has more than 950 million customers, so naturally SpaceX wants its services to roll out here. However, it is a bumpy ride for Starlink so far. In 2022, SpaceX was forced to return pre-ordems for its starlink devices, when the Government of India flagged off the satellite internet services without obtaining the necessary approval to it.

Last year, in November, after another attempt by SpaceX to roll out Starlinks in India, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said that India is open to give Starlink a satellite internet license, until it complies with strict security and regulatory requirements of the country. He emphasized that, like any other satellite service, Starlink should fully follow India’s security protocol and fulfill all the conditions mentioned in the government’s licensing structure. Once meeting these requirements, the government will grant licenses. To work in India, Starlink will need to follow an established process that preference safety, ensuring protection against potential cyber and data threats.

Airtel and Jio’s plan to bring Starlink to India

Airtel has announced a plan to collaborate with Spacex, possibly offering satellite-based internet services to selling starlink hardware through its retail shops. The company intends to use Starlink technology to expand connectivity in rural schools, healthcare facilities and remote places, where traditional internet infrastructure is insufficient. Additionally, Airtel is looking for Spacex to take advantage of its telecom infrastructure in India to integrate Starlink in its network.

Similarly, Jio has entered a partnership to provide starlink services through its physical stores and online platforms in a partnership with Spacex, when it protects regulatory approval. Jio aims to include Starlink in its broadband lineup, which complements existing services such as JioFiber and Jioairfiber. This cooperation will strengthen Jio’s internet offerings, especially in areas where traditional broadband is a challenge. Jio also states that it will manage installation, activation and customer aid for Starlink users in India, ensuring a spontaneous experience for customers.