Reliance Responds to Elon Musks Allegations, Welcomes Competition in Satellite Communications

Mumbai, October 16 (Daily Kiran) : Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) issued a statement on Friday, addressing concerns raised by Elon Musk regarding regulatory hurdles faced by Starlink in India. The company emphasized that the regulations governing the satellite communication sector apply equally to both domestic and foreign companies.

In its statement, Reliance welcomed competition in the satellite communications space, which includes Starlink. The company noted that every player, including Jio, must adhere to Indian laws and policies while serving the country’s populace.

RIL clarified its position in light of recent comments about its operations and the Indian market. “Like every Indian company, Reliance has evolved in a landscape that welcomes investment and innovation, whether developed domestically or internationally, as long as it improves people’s lives,” the statement read.

The company highlighted that the openness it champions is grounded in the rule of law. “The Indian government has already made it clear that it follows a uniform process for all applicants, both Indian and foreign. Jio’s satellite services are also awaiting various approvals,” it added.

Reliance expressed confidence in its competitive spirit, stating that it views competition as a test of who can provide better customer service. Jio entered India’s highly competitive telecom market in 2016 as a newcomer with no customers, and within ten years, it has gained the trust of over 530 million users. The company has also provided Indians with access to one of the world’s best digital infrastructures and some of the most affordable data services.

Starlink has received a license to provide satellite communication services in India, but it must secure security clearances and other approvals before launching commercial services.

Last week, Musk criticized billionaire industrialist Mukesh Ambani over Starlink’s entry into India. He took to social media platform X to address Ambani, sarcastically referring to him as “Dear Prime Minister Ambani,” and alleged that Ambani seeks to maintain a monopoly and prevent Starlink from competing.

Musk wrote, “Dear Prime Minister Ambani, I apologize for my delay in realizing that you are the one making the real decisions in India.” He further questioned, “Naturally, you would want to maintain your monopoly over the Indian people, but will you still allow Starlink to compete?”

However, the Indian government has reiterated that it reviews applications in the satellite communications sector through a fair and non-discriminatory process.