Reliance Rejects Musk Claims, Welcomes Starlink
Reliance Industries has rejected allegations that it is obstructing Elon Musk’s Starlink from entering India’s satellite internet market, declaring that it welcomes competition from domestic and international providers. In a statement issued on October 16, 2026, the Mukesh Ambani-led conglomerate emphasised that its own Jio satellite services are also awaiting government clearances.
Reliance Rejects Elon Musk’s Starlink Allegations
Reliance said India’s telecommunications market remains open to investment and innovation, provided companies comply with domestic regulations.
The company highlighted Jio’s growth since entering the telecom market in 2016, noting that it now serves more than 530 million customers.
Reliance maintained that competition benefits consumers and that all satellite communication providers, including Starlink, must operate within India’s legal framework.
Jio and Starlink Await Government Security Clearances
Reliance confirmed that Jio’s satellite broadband services have not received final operational approval.
Starlink and Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb are also awaiting regulatory clearances before launching commercial satellite internet operations.
The government has emphasised that satellite operators must satisfy national security requirements, including conditions relating to domestic infrastructure and regulatory oversight.
Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has maintained that India does not favour monopolies and that approval procedures apply to all eligible operators.
Musk Accuses Reliance of Restricting Competition
The statement follows Musk’s public criticism of Reliance and India’s telecommunications market.
Musk alleged that powerful business interests were preventing Starlink from competing with established operators, arguing that additional competition would benefit Indian consumers.
The Indian government has rejected allegations of preferential treatment, maintaining that outstanding security requirements must be fulfilled before commercial services can begin.
Meanwhile, authorities are finalising the pricing framework for satellite spectrum allocation.
The dispute comes as India prepares to expand satellite broadband connectivity, particularly in remote and underserved regions.
