In the latest development surrounding India’s satellite communications market, Starlink—the satellite broadband division of SpaceX—has formally responded to statements made by Reliance Industries Limited, affirming that it has fulfilled regulatory obligations and stands ready to deliver high-speed internet across the country.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Starlink highlighted its multi-year effort to comply with Indian telecom policies:
”We have worked closely with regulators, industry and operators in India for 5+ years, and built a network of dedicated systems, gateways, and other infrastructure all in-country to exclusively serve Indian traffic safely and securely – and all with the requisite government approvals. Starlink is ready to connect India with high-speed internet.”
Reliance Clarifies Stance on Market Competition
Starlink’s official response came on the heels of a detailed public statement issued by Reliance Industries. Addressing recent comments by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk regarding market access barriers, Reliance emphasized that it supports open market competition provided all entities operate within local legal frameworks.
”Like every Indian enterprise, Reliance has grown in an India that welcomes investment and innovation, homegrown or international… 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,” Reliance stated.
The conglomerate noted that Jio’s own satellite venture, Jio Satellite Communications, is undergoing the same regulatory evaluation and security vetting process as foreign applicants.
Evolution of the Satcom Row
The exchange follows a week of intense debate initiated on October 7, when Musk alleged on social media that market “oligarchs” were delaying spectrum access for SpaceX’s satellite network.
The Ministry of Communications subsequently refuted allegations of procedural bias, describing the claims as “baseless and misconceived” and reiterating that satcom security evaluations remain active and uniform for all licensed operators.
While Starlink holds a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licence and IN-SPACe clearances, final commercial activation for all satcom players remains contingent on spectrum assignment and security sign-offs.
