Space Exploration Technologies Corp.‘s (NASDAQ:SPCX) Starlink said it is prepared to launch high-speed satellite internet in India as Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries defends the country’s approval process.
Starlink Says It Has Built India Infrastructure
On Friday, Starlink said on X that it spent more than five years working with Indian regulators, industry players and telecom operators to prepare for its market entry.
The company said it had established dedicated systems, gateways and other infrastructure within India to serve domestic internet traffic securely and in compliance with government requirements.
“Starlink is ready to connect India with high-speed internet,” the company said.
The statement followed a post by Reliance Industries defending India’s regulatory framework without directly naming SpaceX CEO Elon Musk.
Reliance Says Jio Also Awaits Satellite Clearances
Reliance said India welcomes investment and innovation from domestic and international companies but noted that businesses must comply with the country’s laws.
“That openness rests on the rule of law. As the Government of India has stated, it applies the same process to every applicant, Indian or foreign. Jio’s own satellite services await clearances,” the company said.
Reliance said it had never feared competition and welcomed Starlink’s entry into satellite communications.
The company highlighted Jio’s growth since entering India’s telecom market in 2016, saying it had built a customer base of more than 530 million by providing affordable data and digital infrastructure.
“Every player, Jio included, must serve the people of India and abide by the laws and policies of the land,” Reliance said.
Replying to Reliance’s post, Musk said, “Much appreciated.”
Musk’s Starlink Dispute Intensifies Ahead of Jio IPO
Musk has repeatedly accused Indian authorities and Ambani of obstructing Starlink’s efforts to enter a market with more than a billion internet subscribers.
The billionaire’s remarks signaled a shift in tone, despite his previously cordial public relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
India has denied allegations that it is biased in its satellite internet approval process.
Starlink, Jio’s satellite internet business and Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb have received operating licenses but still await the security clearances required to launch services, according to Reuters.
The exchange comes as Jio Platforms seeks a $108 billion valuation in what could become India’s largest IPO. SpaceX, the parent company of Starlink, went public in June.
Musk has also pledged to offer Starlink at affordable prices in India, potentially challenging Jio’s low-cost internet strategy.
According to Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings, SpaceX maintains positive price trends across the short, medium and long term.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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