NEW DELHI: Starlink has said it is ready to connect India with high-speed internet, responding to Reliance Industries’ statement that it welcomes competition in satellite communications, provided all players follow Indian laws and policies.“We have worked closely with regulators, industry and operators in India for 5+ years, and built a network of dedicated systems, gateways, and other infrastructure all in-country to exclusively serve Indian traffic safely and securely – and all with the requisite government approvals. Starlink is ready to connect India with high-speed internet,” the company said in a post on X.The response after Reliance Industries pushed back against Elon Musk’s allegations that certain business groups were blocking Starlink’s entry into India.Reliance said it welcomed competition and that every player, including Jio, must comply with the country’s laws and policies. It also noted that Jio’s own satellite services were awaiting clearances.“In light of recent remarks about Reliance and the Indian market, we wish to place the facts on record.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. That openness rests on the rule of law. 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,” Reliance had said.Musk had accused “certain oligarchs” of blocking Starlink’s entry into India before naming Reliance chairman Mukesh Ambani in a series of posts.The government has also rejected Musk’s claims. Union communications minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said satellite spectrum would be assigned once the government finalised the revenue-sharing framework and companies met security requirements.Starlink, Reliance Jio and Eutelsat OneWeb have received licences to provide satellite communication services in India. The services are expected to extend internet connectivity to remote areas where laying conventional broadband infrastructure is difficult. Amazon’s Project Kuiper is also seeking a licence.
