Strategic Tie-up with SpaceX’s Starlink to Enhance Satellite Connectivity in India
Bharti Airtel’s stock gained 3% in early trading on March 12, 2025, following its announcement of a strategic partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink to introduce satellite internet services in India. The move is expected to strengthen Airtel’s position in the broadband connectivity space, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
The partnership marks Starlink’s first formal collaboration in India and aligns with Bharti Airtel’s existing satellite broadband initiatives, which already include a partnership with Eutelsat OneWeb. However, the launch of Starlink services is contingent upon SpaceX obtaining regulatory approvals from Indian authorities.
Bharti Airtel Stock Gains as JPMorgan Maintains ‘Overweight’ Rating
- Following the announcement, Airtel’s stock jumped over 3% to Rs 1,716.65 in the early session.
- However, by 9:30 AM, shares pared gains to trade at Rs 1,666.70, still up 0.2% on the NSE.
- JPMorgan reiterated its ‘overweight’ rating on Airtel shares, setting a target price of Rs 1,970 per share—indicating a potential 66% upside from the previous session’s closing price.
Bharti Airtel and SpaceX: A Game-Changing Partnership for India’s Digital Expansion
In a joint statement released on March 11, Bharti Airtel and SpaceX emphasized the transformative potential of Starlink’s satellite internet services in India.
“Working with SpaceX to offer Starlink to Airtel customers in India is a significant milestone and further demonstrates our commitment to next-generation satellite connectivity,” said Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and Vice Chairman of Bharti Airtel Ltd.
“We are excited to work with Airtel and unlock the transformative impact Starlink can bring to the people of India. The team at Airtel has played a pivotal role in India’s telecom story, so working with them to complement our direct offering makes great sense for our business,” said Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO of SpaceX.
What This Partnership Means for India’s Broadband Sector
- Enhanced Rural Connectivity: The collaboration will expand internet access to rural and remote areas where traditional fiber-optic infrastructure is not feasible.
- Complementary Offerings: Airtel already offers satellite broadband services through Eutelsat OneWeb, and Starlink will add a premium satellite-based service to its portfolio.
- Premium Positioning: JPMorgan suggests that Starlink’s internet services in India will be marketed as a high-end offering, targeting businesses and consumers needing high-speed, low-latency internet.
Regulatory Approvals: The Next Hurdle for Starlink’s Launch in India
Despite the excitement surrounding the deal, regulatory clearances remain a significant challenge for SpaceX. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) have yet to grant Starlink the necessary approvals to operate in India.
This regulatory uncertainty delayed Starlink’s initial launch plans in India back in 2021, when the government asked SpaceX to stop accepting pre-orders due to licensing concerns. As of now, both Bharti Airtel and SpaceX are actively working with the authorities to secure approvals and ensure compliance with Indian telecom and space regulations.
Airtel’s Strategic Expansion into Satellite Internet
Bharti Airtel has been actively expanding its satellite communication footprint, recognizing its potential to bridge the digital divide in India. The company’s investments in Eutelsat OneWeb, combined with its new partnership with Starlink, position it as a leader in satellite-based internet services.
This move aligns with India’s broader digital goals, particularly in:
- Providing broadband access to underserved areas
- Enhancing connectivity for enterprises, government projects, and defense applications
- Supporting India’s push towards 5G expansion and IoT connectivity
