India’s Vodafone Idea is exploring a partnership with Musk’s Starlink

Vodafone Idea has initiated talks with several satellite communication providers, including Starlink, the company announced on Wednesday, just one week after its competitors in the Indian telecom sector made agreements with Elon Musk’s company.
The announcement came after Indian stock exchanges requested clarification about the company’s stock movement, following a report from the local financial news platform Moneycontrol. Vodafone Idea’s shares saw an increase of nearly 5% on Wednesday.
“Our approach is to offer services—whether mobile or fixed—where coverage is lacking, and satellite solutions make sense,” said Jagbir Singh, Vodafone Idea’s Chief Technology Officer, in a conversation with Moneycontrol, according to the report.
He also mentioned another strategy focused on providing fixed wireless broadband in rural areas and small towns, where deploying such services is costly.
Last week, SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, reached agreements with Reliance Jio and other operators to deliver Starlink’s internet services in India. These deals involve stocking Starlink’s equipment in the retail stores of the Indian operators, providing the US-based satellite communication company with a direct distribution channel in thousands of locations across the country.
However, the agreements are contingent upon Starlink obtaining the necessary government approval to operate in India.