New Delhi: Tesla and SpaceX chief Elon Musk has said the launch of Starlink’s satellite broadband in India would not “destroy” Mukesh Ambani’s business, though it could reduce profits. He made the remarks in a social media post amid continuing debate over Starlink’s entry.
Musk noted that Starlink has not yet received a licence to operate in India. He has earlier alleged that Ambani is blocking approvals and also made sharp political comments, which have drawn attention to the rivalry between satellite internet and low-cost terrestrial telecom services.
In his latest post, Musk said supporters of Ambani make contradictory claims—arguing on one hand that Starlink cannot compete with India’s low tariffs, while also warning that it would become a formidable competitor. He called such arguments hypocritical and overstated, and said healthy competition would give ordinary Indians more choices.
Musk added that if Starlink’s pricing is high, consumers will not buy it, forcing the company to cut prices. He said satellite internet could help connect remote villages and hilly regions, expand educational access for children, enable small businesses to reach global markets, and support communications during disasters when other networks fail.
Separately, the Takshashila Institution has cautioned that Starlink’s entry is not only a business issue but also raises concerns related to sovereignty, data security and internal security. It cited instances such as Starlink devices being seized in Manipur, alleged use by drug smugglers in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, difficulties in controlling illegal terminals in Iran, and the risks of critical connectivity depending on decisions by a private company leader.
