Vodafone Idea (A private Indian carrier) is exploring ways it could launch satellite broadband services. The ambition joins the telco’s recent trial launch of 5G in Mumbai. It’s currently in talks with different service providers, which include Starlink, as it seeks to catch up with Airtel and Jio in the satellite internet race.
“Our strategy is to provide services — whether fixed or mobile — in uncovered areas, where satellite makes perfect sense,” Vodafone Idea Chief Technology Officer Jagbir Singh told Moneycontrol.
“The other (strategy) is to provide fixed wireless broadband in rural areas and smaller towns, where it is expensive to roll out such services.”
To put this into perspective, VI’s rivals, Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, signed a deal with Starlink to bring satellite internet to India. Both companies will now use Starlink’s gear for the service.
VI, which has is nearing blanket coverage across India, is eying aggressive 5G expansion and is also eyeing a possible deal with Starlink to stay competitive.
A cooperation with Stalrink would unlock for VI a new avenue for a broadband network. The US company provides satellite data services through its constellation of over 7,000 LEO satellites. Through a deal, the telco could tap into underserved areas across India in rural and remote parts.