Reliance Jio has partnered with SpaceX to offer Starlink to its customers in India just hours after Airtel's partnership.

India’s two major telecom companies - Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel have signed agreements with SpaceX to distribute Starlink’s satellite internet services in the country. However, the Elon Musk-owned company is still awaiting regulatory approvals from the Indian government.

The CPI(M) has opposed Jio and Airtel collaboration with Elon Musk's Starlink, citing concerns over spectrum allocation and national security. Warning against monopolisation and strategic risks, the party urged the government to block the deal.

Despite their ambitious plans, both Airtel and Jio must wait for SpaceX to secure regulatory clearances before Starlink can officially launch in India.

Jio and SpaceX are exploring further areas of collaboration to enhance India’s digital ecosystem by utilizing their respective infrastructures

The deals with Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, which together control more than 70% of India’s telecom market, could help bring internet connections to millions of people who live in remote areas.

Billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio announced a pact with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to bring Starlink satellite internet services in India, a surprise move that follows months of bickering over how Musk’s venture should be granted spectrum.