Elon Musk has pledged to offer his Starlink satellite internet service in India at prices ordinary customers can afford, a move aimed at challenging Mukesh Ambani’s low-cost Reliance Jio. He made the pledge in a post on his social media platform X on Saturday, only days before Jio’s parent company launches what would be the largest initial public offering in the country’s history.
Jio Platforms, which owns the telecom arm, is targeting a valuation of $106bn in the share sale. Jio’s satellite venture, like Starlink, is still waiting for final security clearance before it can begin operating.
Low-cost data strategy at the heart of the rivalry
Cheap mobile data is the model that allowed Jio to build its customer base in India. Musk has used a similar approach in Kenya, where he has put pressure on local telecom companies. SpaceX now intends to enter the mobile carrier business itself, starting in the United States.
Musk did not say what Starlink would cost in India. Mobile data there currently averages about 7.74 rupees ($0.08) per gigabyte, which is among the lowest rates globally.
Musk accuses Modi government and Ambani of stalling entry
Musk’s latest comments form part of a series of posts on X in which he has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government and Ambani of delaying Starlink’s arrival in one of the world’s largest internet markets. He argued that greater competition would benefit ordinary Indians by widening their choices. He also said Ambani’s profits would fall, but that the tycoon would not be driven out of business.
The posts mark a sharp change for Musk, who has long maintained a friendly public relationship with Modi. Late on Friday, he also mockingly addressed Ambani as “Prime Minister Ambani” and asked whether he would consider letting Starlink compete.
Government denies bias as Reliance stays silent
India’s government has rejected claims of bias in its approval process. It pointed out that three satellite ventures seeking to launch, including those of Starlink and Jio, are all still awaiting final security clearance. Reliance has not responded to Musk’s remarks.
