Elon Musk’s satellite Internet service, Starlink, has taken a major step toward entering the Indian market by securing partnerships with the country’s two largest telecom operators. Agreements with Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, which collectively control over 70 percent of India’s telecom industry, could pave the way for millions of people living in remote and underserved regions to gain Internet access.

However, these partnerships are contingent on Starlink obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals from the Indian government. The timing of the deals aligns with growing discussions between Musk and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who met in Washington just weeks ago to discuss a range of business collaborations, including technology and infrastructure.

One of the most significant aspects of the agreements with Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel is the direct retail and infrastructure support that Starlink will receive. Under the terms of the deal with Jio, Starlink will gain access to thousands of retail outlets across India, enabling the company to distribute its satellite Internet devices efficiently. Additionally, Jio will provide installation and activation services for Starlink’s equipment, ensuring that even users in the most challenging locations can quickly and affordably set up their Internet connections.

Beyond retail access, Starlink will leverage the existing network infrastructure of Jio and Bharti Airtel to enhance its satellite coverage. This approach will help expand Internet access in areas where traditional broadband services are either unreliable or entirely unavailable. India, with its vast geography that includes remote villages, mountainous regions, and dense forests, presents a unique challenge for broadband connectivity-one that satellite Internet could help resolve.

A statement from Reliance Jio emphasized that Starlink’s services will complement Jio’s existing........

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