Elon Musk used a sarcastic post on X to press Reliance Industries chair Mukesh Ambani over Starlink’s delayed commercial launch in India. Addressing him as “Prime Minister Ambani,” Musk accused the billionaire of protecting a telecom monopoly and asked him to allow the satellite internet service to compete.
Musk offered no evidence that Ambani had blocked Starlink. Reliance Jio did not respond to Reuters’ request for comment, Reuters reported.
India rejects the monopoly claim
Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia responded Friday that India does not allow monopolies in any sector. The government also rejected suggestions that the licensing process was unfair or discriminatory.
The dispute is playing out in a market with more than 1 billion internet users. Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel dominate India’s mobile networks, but that market position does not establish Musk’s allegation that Ambani controls Starlink’s regulatory path.
What Starlink still needs
Starlink has already secured a licence to operate in India. A commercial launch still depends on meeting security compliance conditions and receiving a spectrum assignment.
The Indian government said all three licensed satellite operators, including Starlink, were at broadly the same regulatory stage. Starlink’s licence is in place, while the security and spectrum steps needed for commercial service remain unfinished.
Musk’s pitch focused on areas without reliable internet access. He argued that Starlink could expand education and help small businesses reach customers abroad. Whether and when that service becomes available depends on the outstanding security and spectrum steps.
