Sunil Mittal Takes on Elon Musk: Airtel Set to Compete with Starlink in Satellite Internet Race

As per news reports, Sunil Mittal-led Bharti Airtel is setting the stage to transform India’s satellite internet landscape. With its global experience and robust satellite network, Airtel is preparing to launch its satellite internet services, targeting underserved regions in India. This move positions Airtel as a formidable competitor to Elon Musk’s Starlink, which is still navigating regulatory hurdles in the country.

Airtel has already established two critical base stations in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. The company is now awaiting spectrum allocation and final government approvals, marking the final steps before operations can commence. Speaking to ANI, Rajan Bharti Mittal, Vice Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, emphasised the company’s readiness to roll out services as soon as permissions are granted.

Airtel vs Starlink: A Clash of Strategies

While Elon Musk’s Starlink enjoys global acclaim for its innovative satellite internet services, its entry into India has been met with regulatory roadblocks. The Indian government’s strict approval process has delayed Starlink’s ambitions, giving Airtel a potential first-mover advantage, as per news reports.

Airtel, with 635 satellites already in orbit, brings to the table a well-established satellite internet operation in international markets. The company plans to offer affordable pricing, particularly in remote and rural areas, making it highly competitive in India’s price-sensitive market. In contrast, Starlink’s services are often criticised for their relatively higher costs, which could pose a challenge in gaining traction among Indian consumers.

The Intra Circle Roaming Initiative: A Boost for Indian Telecom Users

In related developments, Airtel, Jio, and BSNL have implemented the Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) facility, introduced on January 17. This initiative allows users to make calls and access 4G services from shared towers funded by the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN). The ICR facility aims to enhance connectivity across networks, ensuring uninterrupted services even in areas with limited coverage.

What Lies Ahead in the Satellite Internet Battle?

Airtel’s strategic focus on affordability and its established infrastructure could give it a significant edge over Starlink in India. However, the market remains dynamic, with challenges like regulatory changes and technological advancements likely to influence the outcome.

Whether Airtel manages to outpace Starlink or faces stiff competition, the ultimate winner will be India’s internet users, who stand to benefit from enhanced connectivity and innovative solutions.

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