Airtel and SpaceX will explore offering Starlink Satellite Service to India

Updated On: March 12, 2025

Airtel and Elon Musk’s SpaceX to Bring Starlink Satellite Service to India, Telecom major Airtel on Tuesday said it has signed an agreement with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to bring Starlink’s high-speed internet services to its customers in India. This is the first agreement to be signed in India, which is subject to SpaceX receiving its own authorisations to sell Starlink in the country.

Airtel and SpaceX will explore offering Starlink equipment in Airtel’s retail stores, Starlink services via Airtel to business customers, opportunities to connect communities, schools, and health centres, among many others, in even the most rural parts of India

Table of Contents

A Leader in Fiber Connectivity

Airtel is one of India’s largest telecom providers and has become a key player in broadband services as well. With a robust fiber optic infrastructure, Airtel offers high-speed internet across several regions in India. Airtel’s broadband service, known as Airtel Xstream Fiber, is highly regarded for its reliability, speed, and customer service.

Speeds and Plans

Airtel provides several fiber broadband plans, ranging from basic 40 Mbps to premium 1 Gbps (1000 Mbps) speeds, depending on location and the chosen plan. These plans are designed to cater to various customer needs, from casual browsing to heavy gaming and streaming. The speeds offered by Airtel are typically consistent, and the fiber-optic nature of the connection ensures low latency and stable performance. Many customers report smooth streaming of 4K content, fast downloads, and excellent gaming experiences with minimal lag. Airtel also offers bundled benefits such as OTT subscriptions (e.g., Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, etc.) with higher-tier plans, which adds significant value for users who are looking for an all-in-one solution for internet and entertainment. (Airtel and SpaceX will explore offering Starlink Satellite Service to India)

Coverage and Availability

Airtel Xstream Fiber is available in most urban areas across India, especially in metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad. However, it is important to note that coverage may be limited in rural or remote areas. Airtel’s fiber infrastructure is expanding, but it may take time to reach all parts of the country.

Customer Service

Airtel has a well-established customer service network, with multiple ways for users to reach support, including phone, chat, and email. The overall customer experience is generally positive, with issues being resolved in a timely manner. However, some users report occasional delays in installation and troubleshooting, particularly in areas with higher demand.

SpaceX Starlink: The Future of Satellite Internet

Starlink, a satellite internet service by SpaceX, is a game-changer for rural and remote areas that are traditionally underserved by terrestrial broadband services. Using a network of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, Starlink promises high-speed internet to nearly every corner of the world. Though Starlink is still expanding its services globally, it is particularly focused on regions with little or no access to reliable broadband. (Airtel and SpaceX will explore offering Starlink Satellite Service to India)

Speeds and Plans

Starlink offers internet speeds ranging from 50 Mbps to 200 Mbps in most areas, with low latency (typically between 20ms to 40ms), making it suitable for a variety of tasks such as browsing, streaming, gaming, and video conferencing. While Starlink’s speed is impressive for satellite internet, it is important to note that the speeds can fluctuate based on network congestion, the number of active users in a given area, and other factors. Since Starlink is still a relatively new service, its plans may evolve over time as more satellites are launched, and the service matures.

Coverage and Availability

One of Starlink’s greatest strengths is its ability to provide internet access in remote and rural areas where traditional ISPs cannot reach. The satellite network is global, with the service being available in many countries, including parts of the US, Canada, UK, and some areas in Europe and India. Starlink’s global coverage is a major advantage, especially for customers in remote regions who have had limited access to fast internet. (Airtel and SpaceX will explore offering Starlink Satellite Service to India)

However, Starlink’s service is still being rolled out, and some areas may face delays or may not be able to access the service at all. The availability of the service depends on the local regulatory environment and the number of satellites in orbit.

Customer Service

Starlink’s customer service is still evolving, as the company is rapidly scaling its operations. Users report mixed experiences—some are satisfied with the support, while others mention challenges in reaching customer service due to the company’s rapid growth. As Starlink grows, its support system is likely to improve, but it remains an area of concern for some customers.

While this is a significant investment compared to standard broadband, Starlink’s ability to provide high-speed internet in remote areas makes it a worthwhile option for those who lack alternatives.(Airtel and SpaceX will explore offering Starlink Satellite Service to India)

Speed and Reliability

Airtel: Airtel offers reliable speeds through fiber optic connections, making it a great option for urban users who need high bandwidth and low latency. Fiber technology ensures stable performance, particularly for heavy users.
Starlink: Starlink’s satellite connection provides competitive speeds, especially for rural and remote users. While its speeds may vary, the technology is improving and offers a level of performance that is unmatched in areas without access to fiber.(Airtel and SpaceX will explore offering Starlink Satellite Service to India)

Coverage

Airtel: Airtel is ideal for urban users but has limited coverage in rural areas. Its infrastructure is expanding but may not be available everywhere.
Starlink: Starlink offers near-global coverage, particularly beneficial for those in underserved regions.

Pricing

Airtel: Airtel offers a range of affordable plans, starting from INR 499, which is competitive for urban areas with fiber connections.
Starlink: Starlink is significantly more expensive, especially with the initial setup cost, but it provides unparalleled access in remote areas.

Customer Service

Airtel: Airtel has a well-established customer service network, though some delays may occur during peak demand periods.
Starlink: Customer service for Starlink is still developing, with mixed user feedback regarding support.

Conclusion

Both Airtel and Starlink offer high-speed internet, but they cater to different customer needs. Airtel excels in urban areas with its reliable fiber optic connection, offering high speeds and great customer support. It is perfect for users looking for a stable internet connection with competitive pricing.

On the other hand, Starlink’s satellite-based service is a groundbreaking solution for rural and remote areas where traditional broadband services are unavailable. Despite being more expensive, Starlink offers a unique opportunity for users who would otherwise be left without fast internet.

Ultimately, the choice between Airtel and Starlink depends on where you live, your internet usage, and your budget. For city dwellers with access to fiber, Airtel is likely the better option. For those in rural or remote areas, Starlink offers a revolutionary solution to long-standing connectivity issues.