Elon Musk has promised to make Starlink’s satellite internet service affordable in India as he steps up his criticism of billionaire Mukesh Ambani and his telecommunications company, Reliance Jio.
Musk’s comments come as SpaceX-owned Starlink seeks final security clearance to launch its satellite internet service in one of the world’s largest internet markets, where Reliance Jio has built a strong position by offering low-cost mobile data.
In a post on his social media platform X on Saturday, Musk said Starlink would need to keep its prices affordable to attract customers in India.
“Obviously, if Starlink is too expensive in India, no one will buy it, so SpaceX will need to make pricing affordable,” he said.
However, Musk did not announce specific prices for the Indian market, where mobile data costs an average of 7.74 rupees, or about $0.08, per gigabyte, according to the Reuters report.
Musk argued that competition between Starlink and existing internet providers would give consumers more choices, although he acknowledged that increased competition could reduce Ambani’s profits.
“The reality is that competition would greatly benefit the average citizen in India by giving them more choices, as it always does,” Musk said, adding that Ambani would not be driven out of business.
The comments mark another escalation in the public dispute between the two business leaders as Starlink seeks to enter India’s satellite internet market.
See also: Netflix Plans to Sack 800 Workers as Streaming War Intensifies.
Musk has repeatedly accused Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government and Ambani of delaying Starlink’s entry to protect Reliance Jio, which leads the country’s telecommunications market. The Indian government has denied favouring any company in the approval process.
Starlink and Jio’s satellite internet venture are among three satellite service providers awaiting final security clearance to begin operations in India, according to the report.
The dispute also comes ahead of the planned initial public offering of Jio Platforms, Reliance Jio’s parent company. The company is targeting a valuation of $106 billion in what is expected to be India’s largest-ever IPO.
Affordable pricing has been central to Jio’s growth in India, where low-cost mobile data has helped expand internet access. Musk is seeking to use a similar approach to attract customers in markets where Starlink competes with established telecommunications providers.
Starlink uses satellites in low Earth orbit to deliver internet connectivity, making it an alternative for customers in areas where conventional broadband and mobile networks are limited. Its eventual pricing and availability in India will depend on regulatory approvals and the company’s commercial plans.
Musk’s comments suggest that pricing will be a key part of Starlink’s strategy if it receives approval to launch in India, although the company has yet to disclose a specific consumer pricing plan for the market.
About the Author
Cecilia Attah is a tech analyst with a degree from Benue State University. She covers tech news and startups at TechRegard with a focus on how technology is transforming Africa and shaping the global landscape.
