Jio Platforms has announced a partnership with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to bring Starlink satellite internet services to India. However, this collaboration depends on SpaceX securing the necessary approvals from the Indian government before launching its operations. Starlink has been trying to enter the Indian market since October 2022 but faced resistance from major telecom players, including Jio and Bharti Airtel. Both companies initially opposed Starlink’s entry, advocating for a structured approach to spectrum allocation. While the Indian government opted for an administrative allocation of satellite broadband spectrum, following global practices, Jio pushed for an auction-based model, arguing that satellite firms should adhere to the same regulatory framework as telecom companies.

At the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024, Bharti Airtel’s Chairman, Sunil Mittal, emphasized the need for a level playing field, stating that satellite internet providers should purchase spectrum and pay license fees like traditional telecom operators. Jio supported this stance, reinforcing the demand for regulatory parity. However, Elon Musk disagreed, calling the push for spectrum auctions “unprecedented.” After Mittal’s speech at IMC, Musk expressed frustration, questioning whether obtaining Starlink’s operational permissions in India was proving to be “too much trouble.”

Despite their initial opposition, both Jio and Airtel have now partnered with SpaceX to bring Starlink to India. Jio’s announcement follows Bharti Airtel’s similar deal, setting the stage for intense competition in the satellite broadband sector. This partnership will allow Jio and SpaceX to collaborate on expanding broadband coverage, particularly in remote and rural areas. As the world’s largest mobile operator in terms of data traffic, Jio will leverage Starlink’s expertise in low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to enhance India’s digital infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Bharti Airtel’s Managing Director and Vice Chairman, Gopal Vittal, hailed Airtel’s collaboration with SpaceX as a major milestone in advancing next-generation satellite connectivity. In a statement, Airtel mentioned that the agreement would allow both companies to explore how Starlink can complement and expand Airtel’s offerings, while Airtel’s expertise in the Indian market could support SpaceX’s direct services to businesses and consumers.

These developments come after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US, where he met with Elon Musk, highlighting the growing importance of satellite-based internet in India’s digital roadmap. With both Jio and Airtel now onboard, the competition in the satellite broadband space is set to intensify, promising faster and more reliable internet access for millions across the country.