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The partnership between Bharti Airtel and SpaceX will explore ways in which Starlink can enhance and expand Airtel’s network coverage
Bharti Airtel Shares
Bharti Airtel’s share price rose by up to 3% during Wednesday’s trading session after the company revealed a partnership with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer Starlink’s high-speed internet services in India.
By 9:20 am on March 12, Bharti Airtel’s stock was trading at Rs1,689.95. Despite overall weak market sentiment, Airtel’s stock has gained more than 5% on the NSE.
The partnership between Bharti Airtel and SpaceX will explore ways in which Starlink can enhance and expand Airtel’s network coverage. SpaceX will also have access to Airtel’s ground infrastructure and resources across India.
Airtel and SpaceX Plan to Offer a Range of Services, Including:
- Selling Starlink equipment in Airtel stores.
- Providing Starlink services to Airtel’s business customers.
- Connecting remote communities, schools, and health centers, particularly in areas with limited internet access.
“Partnering with SpaceX to bring Starlink to Airtel customers in India is a major milestone, underscoring our commitment to next-generation satellite connectivity,” said Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and Vice Chairman of Bharti Airtel Ltd. “This collaboration strengthens our ability to deliver world-class high-speed broadband to even the most remote areas of India, ensuring reliable internet access for every individual, business, and community. Starlink will complement and enhance Airtel’s product offerings to provide dependable and affordable broadband to our customers, no matter where they live or work.”
By integrating Starlink into its portfolio, alongside its existing partnership with Eutelsat OneWeb, Airtel aims to achieve nationwide coverage and bridge the digital divide. This initiative will empower businesses, communities, and individuals with seamless connectivity through Starlink’s enterprise suite.
Starlink provides high-speed, low-latency internet to users worldwide. As the first and largest satellite constellation in low Earth orbit, Starlink offers broadband capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, video calls, and more. The service is designed and operated by SpaceX.
Lieutenant General Dr. SP Kochhar, Director General of the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), told CNBC-TV18 that while India welcomes new businesses, it emphasizes the need for alignment with national policies and goals. Companies must present clear strategies that support government objectives and benefit the Indian population.
According to international brokerage JPMorgan, Starlink is expected to be positioned as a premium service. The brokerage maintained its ‘overweight’ rating on Airtel shares, with a target price of ₹1,970 per share, implying a 66% upside from the previous session’s closing price.
Over the past year, Bharti Airtel’s shares have surged by 38.97%, outperforming its sector by 1.27%. In the last three years, the stock has delivered a remarkable 139.33% return.