Reliance Industries, the billion-dollar conglomerate of billionaire Mukesh Ambani, has responded to the controversy raised by Elon Musk around the Starlink satellite internet service. They said that they welcome any competition in the field of satellite communications but also stressed out that every company must comply with Indian laws and government regulations.

After the CEO of SpaceX, Elon Musk, criticized the delay of Starlink’s commercial launch, alleging that powerful businesses are trying to keep Starlink out of the country, Reliance did not directly name Musk but responded to his criticism that happened recently over the issue concerning Starlink and Indian market.

India’s Business Environment Welcomes Domestic and Foreign Investment But Follows Strict Legal Procedures

Reliance Industries said that India’s business environment welcomes domestic and foreign investment, as long as they comply with the Indian laws and the government regulations.

They stressed out that the government follows the same procedure to approve applications of Indian and foreign companies. Moreover, they added that their own satellite communication services (Jio) are also waiting for the clearances to be given.

Reliance’s response came as the debates around regulatory approvals, spectrum, and competition in India’s emerging satellite broadband market continue with regards to Starlink and Jio’s competition.

‘We Have Never Feared Competition’, Says Reliance in Their Statement

“We have always believed that competition is a sure test of which company can better serve our customers,” the statement read. It emphasized on Jio’s entrance into India’s telecommunications market in 2016 as an example of their competitive spirit.

“When Jio entered the telecom space, it had no customers. Today, it has more than 530 million customers,” the statement read. Moreover, they highlighted their work on creating India’s digital infrastructure for the citizens and how they made mobile data cheaper in the country.

“We are confident that competition in the satellite communications space will be good for the country and for consumers,” the statement read. “But we must all adhere to the laws and policies of India.”

Why Did Elon Musk Criticise Starlink’s India Launch Delay?

Recently, Elon Musk accused ‘powerful forces’ of trying to stop Starlink from launching its satellite internet service in India. Meanwhile, he also questioned the influence of billionaire Mukesh Ambani over the issue as Starlink faces delays in the remaining approvals to start operations in the country.

Starlink’s satellite internet service aims to provide high-speed internet connection from space using a satellite network. The company’s service could bring the benefit of connecting remote rural villages and people in need.

However, the Indian government has stipulated that satellite communication operators must pass certain security checks before they can seek spectrum allocation and commercial launches. Moreover, the government denied Starlink’s request to fast-track the process, claiming that the setup is not discriminatory.

Starlink vs Jio: What Is The Issue Around These Two Companies?

Starlink vs Jio issue revolves around the competition between the satellite internet companies in India’s telecommunications field. Starlink is a brainchild of Elon Musk of Tesla and SpaceX, whereas Jio is the telecommunications division of India’s Reliance Industries. Both companies want to expand their operations in the Indian market by launching their satellite communication services.

Jio’s satellite communication services are expected to be launched soon after the government grants them the required clearances. On the other hand, Starlink has to undergo additional security clearances before they can provide broadband internet services in India. The controversy around Starlink and Jio is about who will be able to tap into India’s satellite broadband market first as both companies need to complete the procedure before they can start commercial operations.

More competition in the satellite broadband market means more options for consumers. However, the availability of satellite broadband services in India is still limited as compared to the population. Moreover, consumers will have to consider the cost-benefit of switching to satellite broadband service over fibre broadband and mobile networks.

What Does This Mean for India’s Satellite Broadband Market?

India’s satellite broadband market potential has attracted global tech giants and local telecom players. Increased competition will benefit the country’s consumers and businesses by providing access to more reliable internet service and cutting prices.

However, there are legal restrictions and regulations that the satellite communication companies must adhere to. For example, the satellites must be put under Indian security surveillance. The government will play a major role in determining how the satellite broadband market will develop.

Reliance Industries’ latest statement shows that they have acknowledged the entry of new players in the satellite broadband market. However, they have also emphasized on the need to comply with India’s laws and regulations. Starlink’s commercial launch in India will depend on whether they will clear the additional security clearances.