New Delhi, Oct 16: Reliance Industries has responded to the debate surrounding Starlink’s entry into India, stating that all satellite communication providers must comply with the country’s regulatory requirements before launching commercial services.
Representational Image
The response comes amid a public exchange involving SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and concerns over the approval process for foreign satellite internet operators. Musk had questioned whether powerful Indian business interests were creating obstacles to Starlink’s entry into the country.
Reliance maintained that it welcomes investment and technological innovation from global companies but stressed that the same rules must apply to every telecom operator, including its own subsidiary, Jio.
Jio’s satellite ambitions
Satellite broadband is emerging as a potential solution for extending internet connectivity to remote and underserved areas where conventional mobile networks and fibre infrastructure are difficult to deploy.
Jio is pursuing its own satellite connectivity plans, with the supplied report citing a proposed network of around 1,600 satellites and 23 ground stations. The company maintains that its project must undergo the same government approval procedures as competing services.
According to the report, Jio, Eutelsat OneWeb and Starlink are at comparable stages of security clearance and spectrum-related approvals. These regulatory steps are essential before satellite broadband services can be offered commercially.
Airtel also weighs in
The debate has also drawn attention to Bharti Airtel Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal, who has challenged suggestions that Starlink is facing uniquely difficult treatment in India.
Mittal has pointed to the time his organisation has spent pursuing the necessary licences for its satellite venture with Eutelsat OneWeb, arguing that the regulatory process began years ago.
Starlink, meanwhile, has maintained that it has been engaging with Indian authorities for several years to prepare for its entry into the market.
Regulatory clearance remains key
India’s satellite internet market is attracting growing interest as companies compete to connect consumers, businesses and communities beyond the reach of traditional broadband infrastructure.
However, commercial launches depend on regulatory approvals, including security clearances and access to spectrum.
Reliance’s position is that all applicants should be assessed under a consistent framework, regardless of whether they are domestic companies or international technology providers.
As competition intensifies, the pace of regulatory approvals could play a significant role in determining when Starlink and rival satellite broadband services become available to Indian customers.