Vodafone Idea (Vi) is testing the satellite internet waters, confirming that it’s in "exploratory talks" with Starlink and Amazon Kuiper to bring satellite-based internet to its network.
The deets: Vi’s talks with Starlink come just days after Airtel and Jio partnered with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet to India. While Vi hasn’t locked in any deals yet, it’s keeping its options open.
What’s happening: Vi has been losing subscribers, with its smaller 4G coverage pushing users toward Airtel and Jio. To fight back, it’s rolling out competitive 5G pricing, undercutting rivals with cheaper plans. It’s also planning to deploy 75,000 5G sites across 17 regions over the next three years, starting with Mumbai.
Why it matters: Satellite connectivity is becoming a game-changer for telecom, expanding internet access where traditional networks fall short.
For India, broader satellite adoption could bridge the digital divide, improve access to healthcare and education, and even strengthen defense and disaster response.
