Reliance on Starlink Competition: All Satellite Internet Providers Must Follow Indian Laws

Reliance Welcomes Starlink Competition in India, Says All Satellite Operators Must Follow Indian Laws

Reliance Industries has welcomed competition in India’s satellite communications sector, including from Elon Musk’s Starlink, while underlining that all service providers must operate in accordance with Indian laws and regulatory requirements.

In a statement issued on Friday, the company emphasised that competition from domestic and international players was welcome, provided every operator followed the country’s established legal and policy framework.

“We welcome competition in satellite communications, including Starlink. Every player, Jio included, must serve the people of India and abide by the laws and policies of the land,” Reliance said.

Jio Awaits Regulatory Approvals for Satellite Services

Reliance also highlighted that its own satellite communication services under Jio were awaiting the necessary regulatory clearances. The company stressed that the same approval process should apply to all applicants, irrespective of whether they are Indian or foreign.

“As the Government of India has stated, it applies the same process to every applicant, Indian or foreign. Jio’s own satellite services await clearances,” the statement said.

The remarks come as competition intensifies in India’s satellite broadband market, with Starlink and Jio looking to establish their presence in a sector expected to expand internet connectivity, particularly in areas where conventional broadband infrastructure is limited.

Reliance Says Competition Benefits Consumers

The company maintained that it has consistently viewed competition as an opportunity to improve services and deliver greater value to consumers. Citing Jio’s entry into the Indian telecommunications market in 2016, Reliance said its experience demonstrated the role competition could play in transforming the industry.

“At Reliance, we have never feared competition. We see it as the truest test of who serves the customer best,” the company said.

According to Reliance, Jio has grown from a new entrant with no customers in 2016 to a telecom operator serving more than 530 million customers. The company also credited its expansion with helping strengthen India’s digital infrastructure and making mobile data services more affordable.

“Jio itself entered India’s crowded telecom market in 2016 as the newest player, with not a single customer. In just ten years, Jio has earned the trust of over 530 million customers,” it said.

Satellite Broadband Competition Gains Momentum

India’s satellite communications market is attracting increasing interest from domestic and international companies seeking to provide high-speed internet connectivity through satellite networks. Starlink, led by Elon Musk, and Reliance-backed Jio are among the players seeking opportunities in the sector.

Reliance said India’s business environment should continue to encourage investment and technological innovation, whether originating from domestic companies or international businesses, while ensuring compliance with the same regulatory framework.

“Like every Indian enterprise, Reliance has grown in an India that welcomes investment and innovation, homegrown or international, that improve the lives of the people,” the company said.

The company’s statement underscores its position that competition in satellite communications should remain open to all eligible players, with regulatory compliance and consumer interests forming the basis for market participation.