Vodafone in talks with Musk’s Starlink, other satcom providers

Vodafone is in exploratory talks with various satellite communication providers, including Elon Musk’s Starlink, the company said in a statement to the exchanges on Wednesday.

The telecom firm was responding to a clarification the Securities and Exchange Board of India sought to a report in Moneycontrol, following which its shares soared.

“We wish to inform you that the company in ordinary course of business keeps on exploring various initiatives and tie-ups with various parties to enhance the quality of service as also for expansion of the telecom services,” said, adding the company “is in exploratory talks with various satcom providers including Starlink.”

Vodafone Idea’s chief technology officer (CTO) said the company is in talks with Starlink, “and two-three others as well.”

Singh’s comments came days after the company’s rivals, Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio, partnered with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet service to India.

Shares of the telecom firm jumped 4.9% on Wednesday from the previous day’s close to Rs7.45.

The company said that the price movement in the company’s scrip “can be correlated to the launch of 5G services.”

Earlier in the day, the telecom operator announced the launch of its 5G services in Mumbai

5G services will be available in the city, starting Wednesday, the company said, adding that it has partnered with Nokia, “integrating the latest generation of equipment, designed to not only be leaner, but also energy efficient.”

Vi’s 5G introductory offer plans start at Rs299.