Sunil Mittal-led Airtel is gearing up to launch its satellite internet services in India, aiming to take on Elon Musk’s Starlink. Airtel has already made significant progress by setting up two key base stations in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. However, the company is currently waiting for final approvals from the central government, including spectrum allocation, to kick-start its operations. With a fleet of 635 satellites already in orbit and successful deployments in other countries, Airtel is well-positioned to provide affordable satellite internet in India. This could pose a major challenge to Starlink, which is yet to receive regulatory approvals to operate in the country.
Airtel’s Readiness for Launch
Airtel has been preparing for this launch for a while, with Rajan Bharti Mittal, Vice Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, stating that the company is fully prepared to roll out services once it gets the green light. The company’s strategy focuses on offering cost-effective internet solutions, particularly in rural and remote areas, where traditional broadband services struggle to reach.
Starlink’s Hurdles in India
While Starlink has made a name globally for providing high-speed satellite internet, it faces regulatory hurdles in India. The company has yet to secure necessary approvals from the government, delaying its entry into the Indian market. Additionally, Starlink’s higher pricing model could be a disadvantage compared to Airtel’s budget-friendly plans designed for price-sensitive Indian c
Airtel vs Starlink Competition
Airtel’s extensive experience in the telecom sector, existing infrastructure, and local partnerships could give it an edge over Starlink. If approvals are secured soon, Airtel might become the first major player to provide satellite internet in India, offering connectivity to remote regions and challenging Starlink’s global dominance.