Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has responded to Elon Musk’s criticism of India’s regulatory framework for satellite internet services, stating that it has ‘never feared competition’ and welcoming Starlink’s entry into the Indian market. The company also stressed that all operators, whether Indian or foreign, must comply with the country’s laws and policies.
The statement, issued on Friday, October 16, follows Musk’s allegations that vested interests were obstructing Starlink’s regulatory approvals in India. Musk had criticized the government and Reliance Chairman Mukesh Ambani over delays in allowing the satellite internet service to launch in the country.
Jio Also Awaits Clearances
Reliance rejected claims of unfair treatment, saying India’s regulatory framework applies equally to domestic and international applicants. The company pointed out that Jio’s own satellite services are also awaiting the necessary clearances from authorities.
“Like every Indian enterprise, Reliance has grown in an India that welcomes investment and innovation, homegrown or international, that improve the lives of the people,” the company said in its statement.
It added that India’s openness to investment rests on the rule of law and that every applicant must follow the same approval process.
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Jio’s Growth Used to Highlight Competition
Reliance cited its telecom growth as evidence of its willingness to compete. Jio entered India’s telecom market in 2016 as a newcomer with no customers. The company said it has since grown to more than 530 million subscribers in ten years.
“At Reliance, we have never feared competition. We see it as the truest test of who serves the customer best,” the statement said.
The company added that it welcomes competition in satellite communications, including from Starlink, while emphasizing that every operator must serve Indian customers and abide by the country’s laws.
Starlink Approval Debate Continues
The dispute comes as satellite internet providers seek to enter India’s growing digital market. Starlink, Reliance’s Jio satellite venture and Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb have received licenses, but security assessments and other regulatory requirements remain part of the approval process.
India’s Ministry of Communications previously described allegations of discriminatory treatment as baseless, saying the three operators were at broadly similar stages in the security assessment.
Final clearances remain crucial before satellite broadband services can begin operating in India.