BSNL and Starlink discuss India backhaul and enterprise tie-up

TL;DR: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Starlink are exploring a partnership in India focused on satellite backhaul and enterprise connectivity, according to The Economic Times report published on May 25, 2026. The report also said BSNL is implementing the amended BharatNet program to extend ring-topology optical fibre to more than 6.25 lakh villages, including villages in Assam, Mizoram, Tripura, and Meghalaya.

BSNL and Starlink are exploring a strategic partnership in India for backhaul and enterprise business, according to The Economic Times report published on May 25, 2026. The report did not state that the companies had signed a final agreement.

The Economic Times report said the discussions cover enhanced internet services in India, with backhaul and enterprise business identified as the focus areas. Backhaul refers to the transport links that connect local access networks to the wider core network or internet backbone.

Separately, BSNL is implementing the amended BharatNet program, which the report said is fully funded by Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN). The program aims to provide a ring topology-based optical fibre network to more than 6.25 lakh villages, including villages in Assam, Mizoram, Tripura, and Meghalaya.

Related questions

• What areas are BSNL and Starlink discussing in India?
• Has BSNL signed a final partnership agreement with Starlink?
• What does the amended BharatNet program aim to cover?
• Which Northeast states were named in the report on BharatNet?