The race to provide satellite communication (Satcom) services intensified on Thursday. The government had dismissed Musk’s allegation that “some big industrialists” were blocking Starlink’s entry into India. few hours later, Elon Musk asked on X, “Is Mukesh Ambani India’s real boss?”
A few hours later, in his initial salvo on Wednesday, Musk had not named anyone, merely stating, “You can guess who they are.”
Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi also weighed in, replying to Musk on X: “Welcome to India, Elon. Wait until you find out about that other guy.”
Musk replied: “Thanks, Rahul. That is indeed concerning.”
Musk’s comments came hours after the Department of Telecommunications dismissed his claims. The department stated, “India’s regulatory framework for satellite communication services is fair and non-discriminatory.”
Eutelsat OneWeb, backed by Sunil Bharti, along with Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio and Starlink, plan to launch satellite communication services in India.
The government stated that security clearances for all three are currently underway. “Once this process is completed for a licensed company, it can proceed to the next stage of spectrum allocation… all three companies are broadly at the same regulatory stage.”
Musk: Those Opposing Starlink Harm the Underserved
Undeterred, however, Musk continued his offensive on X on Thursday. “Starlink is licensed in over 165 countries and has spent five years complying with every Indian government law and requirement, so why hasn’t it received a license yet? Is Ambani the real boss of India?”
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi weighed in on the controversy, replying to Musk on X: “Welcome to India, Elon.
Just wait until you find out about that other guy.” Responding to Gandhi, the American billionaire said, “Thanks, Rahul. That is indeed concerning.”
In another post on X on Thursday, Elon Musk stated: “People who oppose Starlink are actually hurting those who don’t get good connectivity. Rich folks or big city residents already have good internet, which is why they fail to grasp this…”
Starlink will help people in India where internet and mobile coverage is poor or completely absent… This will turn out to be very beneficial for such areas in India. No country has perfect coverage, not even the United States, but Starlink can fill the coverage void for those who require it most.
Speaking at the India Mobile Congress, Bharti Airtel Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal shared that their satellite communications venture, Eutelsat OneWeb, is still waiting for regulatory approval to start operations. Reliance Jio Chairman Akash Ambani said his company is “moving fast” but did not provide details on the launch timeline. He said, “We promise that every Indian household will have a broadband connection that enables them to stay connected.”
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