Starlink, owned by Elon Musk, said on Friday it is ready to provide high-speed internet in India, highlighting its collaboration with regulators and operators over the past five years. The company stated it has built a network of dedicated systems, gateways, and infrastructure within India to serve Indian traffic securely and with government approvals, according to livemint.com.
The statement from Starlink came after Musk criticized Reliance Industries for delays in Starlink's approval process in India. Reliance responded by emphasizing that the Indian government applies the same regulatory process to all applicants, domestic or foreign. Reliance also noted that its own satellite services are awaiting clearances and welcomed competition in satellite communications, including from Starlink, per livemint.com.
Starlink’s readiness to launch services in India follows years of regulatory engagement and infrastructure development. The satellite internet market in India is gaining attention as companies like Reliance Jio also pursue satellite services. The government’s regulatory framework aims to ensure all players comply with laws and policies, maintaining a level playing field for both Indian and international firms, as highlighted by Reliance’s statement, according to livemint.com.
Starlink’s announcement underscores its commitment to the Indian market after five years of preparation. Reliance’s satellite services remain pending government clearance, reflecting ongoing regulatory scrutiny in this sector. The Indian government has reiterated that all satellite communication providers must follow the same approval process.