IT Minister welcomes Starlink to India, then deletes Tweet

The tweet surfaced shortly before Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, India’s leading telecom operators, unveiled their collaborations with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s satellite internet services to India

In a surprising twist, Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has deleted a tweet welcoming Starlink India’s satellite internet services in the country. In his original post on X (formerly Twitter), Vaishnaw had stated, “Starlink, welcome to India! Will be useful for remote area railway projects.” The tweet came just hours before Reliance Jio Platforms Ltd and Bharti Airtel Ltd, India’s two largest telecom operators, announced their partnerships with SpaceX in India to bring Starlink’s satellite internet technology to the country.

This change in stance by Jio and Airtel marks a significant shift in their previous opposition to foreign satellite communications providers like Starlink. The companies had long expressed concerns over regulatory issues, particularly related to spectrum allocation, which had delayed the Starlink launch in India. Now, the telecom giants are exploring collaboration with SpaceX in India, recognizing the vast potential of satellite internet to enhance connectivity across the country, especially in rural and remote areas.

Telecom giants open doors for Starlink in India

The announcements by Jio and Airtel highlight a growing acceptance of the role that satellite internet can play in India’s digital landscape. While regulatory approvals for these partnerships are still pending, the initial support expressed by Vaishnaw suggests that Starlink’s entry into India is likely to proceed smoothly. As Starlink in India seeks to expand its services, the government's favourable stance could significantly accelerate the process.

Under the agreement, Jio will distribute Starlink’s equipment through its network of retail outlets and online platforms, enhancing its service offerings by integrating satellite-based internet. Airtel, on the other hand, will provide Starlink’s services to its business customers and make the equipment available at its retail locations. Both companies are also committed to extending internet connectivity to underserved areas, including rural communities, schools, and healthcare centres.

Bharti Airtel’s Chairman, Sunil Mittal, hailed the collaboration as a game-changer for global connectivity. “Collaboration between telecom and satellite companies, such as the one with SpaceX in India, will help ensure that customers stay connected even in the most remote locations, including oceans and skies,” Mittal said.

Shift in Jio, Airtel's satellite stance

This new approach contrasts with the stance both companies held in the past. In 2021, Mittal had urged the Indian government to ensure that satellite communication providers, like Starlink, abide by the same legal conditions as traditional telecom operators, including license fees and spectrum acquisition. Likewise, Jio had called on the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to ensure that satellite internet India services are subject to the same regulatory framework as terrestrial telecom networks.

With these new partnerships, both Jio and Airtel appear to be embracing the future of satellite internet India. The Starlink launch in India is set to offer high-speed, low-latency internet in areas that have traditionally struggled with reliable connectivity. The move is expected to significantly impact government efforts to boost digital infrastructure, particularly in rural and remote regions, which will benefit from improved internet access for education, healthcare, and other essential services.

As Starlink India begins its roll-out, the potential for satellite internet to transform connectivity in India’s underserved areas has never been clearer. With the support of major telecom companies like Jio and Airtel, Starlink's entry could be the key to bridging the digital divide and providing millions of Indians with access to the information and services they need to thrive in the digital age.

Also Read: Airtel to Bring Starlink’s High-Speed Internet to its Customers in India