Starlink Ready to Bring High-Speed Internet to India, Musk Responds to Reliance

Elon Musk-owned Starlink has said it is ready to connect India with high-speed internet, responding to Reliance Industries' remarks that Indian laws and policies apply equally to domestic and foreign satellite communication companies.

Starlink said it had worked closely with Indian regulators, industry stakeholders and operators for more than five years to prepare for its entry into the market.

The company added that it had established dedicated systems, gateways and other infrastructure within India to serve domestic internet traffic securely, with the required government approvals.

“Starlink is ready to connect India with high-speed internet,” the company said.

Musk also responded to Reliance's statement on X, writing, “Much appreciated.”

Reliance Says Starlink Must Follow India's Rules

In a statement on Friday, Reliance Industries welcomed competition in satellite communications, including Starlink, while emphasising that all companies must comply with Indian laws and policies.

“We welcome competition in satellite communications, including Starlink,” the company said.

“Every player, Jio included, must serve the people of India and abide by the laws and policies of the land,” Reliance added.

The company said India's regulatory framework applied equally to Indian and international applicants. It also noted that Jio's own satellite services were awaiting clearances.

Reliance said it had never feared competition and viewed it as a test of which company could serve customers better.

Jio's 530 Million Customers in Focus

Reliance highlighted Jio's growth since entering India's telecom market in 2016, when it began as a new entrant in an already competitive sector.

The company said Jio had gained the trust of more than 530 million customers in a decade, providing digital infrastructure and affordable data services across the country.

The remarks come as Starlink prepares to enter India's satellite internet market, where regulatory approvals, pricing and competition with established telecom operators remain key considerations.

Starlink Awaits Final Clearances for India Launch

Starlink has secured a licence to provide satellite communication services in India. However, it still needs security-related clearances and other approvals before it can commercially launch its services.

The company plans to use its satellite network to provide high-speed internet connectivity, including in areas where conventional broadband infrastructure is limited.

Its entry could expand the options available to Indian consumers, businesses and communities in remote locations, although the commercial impact will depend on pricing, coverage and the final regulatory approvals.

Musk's Earlier Swipe at Mukesh Ambani

The latest exchange follows Musk's earlier criticism of billionaire Mukesh Ambani over Starlink's proposed entry into India.

Last week, Musk addressed Ambani as “Dear Prime Minister Ambani” in a post on X, sarcastically calling him the “real boss of India” and accusing him of wanting to preserve a monopoly in the country's market.

“Dear Prime Minister Ambani, Please accept my humble apologies for not realising that you are the real boss of India,” Musk wrote.

He added that Ambani would naturally prefer to maintain what he described as “monopolistic exploitation” but asked whether he would allow Starlink to compete.

The dispute highlights the growing competition between global satellite internet providers and established Indian telecom companies as the country considers the next phase of digital connectivity.