Musk mocks Ambani over Starlink delay; Telecom Ministry says rules are the same for all

Elon Musk, the world's richest industrialist and head of SpaceX, has taken a sharp dig at billionaire Mukesh Ambani over the delay in the licence for Starlink, the satellite internet service, in India. In a post on the social media platform X, Musk addressed Ambani, the head of Reliance Industries, as "Prime Minister Ambani". He has directly alleged that Starlink is being kept out of India to protect Ambani's telecom empire.

Musk wrote in a mocking tone, "Dear Prime Minister Ambani, please accept my humble apologies for failing to recognise that you are the real boss of India." The statement has caused a stir in the global business world and in India's telecom sector. Musk also said in a sarcastic tone that he had not known earlier who takes the real decisions in India, and used the occasion to question the policies of Reliance and the Government of India.

Musk alleged that some very powerful industrialists in India want to retain complete control over the country's telecom and internet market and do not want any new global competitor to enter it. He went on to write, "Of course, you would prefer to continue the monopolistic exploitation of the great people of India, but would you still consider allowing Starlink to compete?"

Musk argued that Starlink's satellite-based internet service is running successfully in more than 165 countries. He asked why his company was still taking more than five years to meet all of India's rules, laws and conditions. According to Musk, Starlink can take high-speed internet to remote, hilly and rural areas across the country where it is difficult for conventional cable or mobile tower networks to reach. He said this could bring a major change in education, health and employment opportunities in rural areas.

In his post, Musk also wrote that in India, as in all other countries, there are many areas without internet. Children are thus deprived of opportunities to study, and small businesses of the chance to sell their goods in the global market. He said Starlink would improve the lives of these people.

After Musk's allegations, the Union Telecom Ministry immediately issued an official statement and rejected all his claims outright. The ministry clarified that the regulatory framework governing satellite communication services in India is entirely fair, transparent and non-discriminatory.

According to the government's clarification, meeting India's strict national security standards is the first condition for a satellite service. Three global companies have already been given approval and licences under India's policies for satellite communication based on Non-Geosynchronous Satellite Orbit (NGSO). The government does not change rules for the benefit or loss of any one company; licences are approved keeping national security and the interest of customers in mind.

Major companies, including Musk's Starlink, Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Jio (Jio Space) and Sunil Bharti Mittal's OneWeb, are in stiff competition to launch satellite broadband services in India. There has earlier been a major dispute over whether spectrum should be allocated through auction or administratively.

Musk's direct attack has now intensified the contest in the telecom sector. On one side, Musk claims to be able to take internet to every corner of India through satellite technology; on the other, Indian telecom companies and the government are insisting on security and compliance with local rules. The world is watching when and how Starlink will be allowed to operate in India.