Vodafone Idea has initiated discussions with satellite communication companies like Starlink and OneWeb. The aim is to provide telecom services in areas where setting up traditional telecom infrastructure or laying fiber is difficult. The company’s future course of action will depend on its strategy and partnerships. Vodafone Idea’s Strategic Shift Money Control’s report citing Vodafone Idea’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Jagbir Singh confirmed that the company is not only in talks with Starlink but also engaging with two to three other satellite internet providers. The discussions are mainly to offer internet services in remote areas where satellite connectivity is possible. Additionally the company is also exploring fixed wireless broadband services in rural areas and smaller towns. Vodafone Compete With Jio And Airtel The announcement has come after its competitors like Mukesh Ambani led Reliance Jio and Sunil Mittal’s Bharti Airtel have already partnered with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to introduce Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet services in India. Both Jio and Airtel are also planning to enhance connectivity in remote and rural regions leveraging on their retail networks to distribute Starlink equipment and services. Reliance Jio will get benefits of Starlink as a complementary solution to its JioAirFiber and JioFiber services to give high-speed internet access in hard-to-reach areas. However Starlink has not yet received regulatory approval and spectrum allocation for operating its low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites in India. But media reports claim that the widespread adoption of satellite broadband in rural India remains challenging due to its high costs. Vodafone Idea’s 5G Launch Meanwhile Vodafone Idea is planning its 5G rollout launching commercial operations in major cities like Mumbai Delhi and Bangalore. The company is also conducting trials for its 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) services to improve its services in urban areas. Shares of Vodafone Idea on Wednesday jumped over 5 per cent after the firm launched its 5G services in India starting from Mumbai with five more cities up next. The stock climbed 5 per cent to Rs 7.46 on the BSE in early morning session. At the NSE it rallied 5.21 per cent to Rs 7.47. (With Inputs From PTI)