Just a day after Airtel announced its partnership with SpaceX, Mukesh Ambani’s Jio has followed suit, revealing its own agreement with Elon Musk’s Starlink. This unexpected twist in the battle for India’s satellite internet market signals big changes for connectivity, especially in rural and remote areas. But what does this mean for Indian consumers, and how does it affect the rivalry between Jio and Airtel? Here’s a breakdown.
Satellite Internet takes one step closer to India
Jio’s deal with SpaceX means that Starlink’s satellite internet solutions will soon be available through Jio’s retail stores and online platforms. However, this is still pending regulatory approvals, as SpaceX needs government authorisation to officially roll out Starlink in India. Once approved, Jio will not only sell Starlink equipment but also offer customer service, installation, and activation support—potentially giving it an edge over Airtel in terms of accessibility and service reach.
Airtel moved first, but Jio wants to dominate
On Tuesday, Airtel was the first to announce a deal with Starlink, with plans to distribute Starlink equipment in its retail stores and integrate satellite services for businesses, schools, and healthcare centers in remote areas. While this gave Airtel an early-mover advantage, Jio’s rapid response suggests that competition in satellite broadband is heating up. With both telecom giants now tied to Starlink, the real battle will be in pricing, service quality, and who scales up first.
From rivalry to collaboration: What changed?
Jio and Airtel initially resisted Starlink’s entry into India. The major point of contention was the allocation of spectrum for satellite services. Jio wanted an auction-based approach—similar to how telecom spectrum is sold—while Musk and Airtel pushed for administrative allocation, a method used globally. The Indian government sided with Musk, clearing the way for Starlink to enter the market without a costly auction. Now, despite their previous resistance, both Jio and Airtel are embracing Starlink as a partner.
What this means for internet access in India
The entry of Starlink-powered broadband via Jio and Airtel could be a game-changer for rural connectivity. Unlike fiber networks, satellite internet doesn’t require physical infrastructure, making it ideal for reaching remote villages, mountainous regions, and islands. This could significantly boost digital inclusion in India, opening doors for education, healthcare, and small businesses in areas where traditional broadband is still unavailable.
A space race on the ground
With Jio and Airtel both onboard, Starlink is set to redefine internet access in India. The real question now is: who will roll out services faster, and at what price? As these telecom giants battle for satellite broadband supremacy, consumers can expect better connectivity options, especially in areas where internet access has been a challenge for years.
