Elon Musk has stated that SpaceX will have to price its Starlink satellite internet service affordably in India in order to rival Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio, heightening friction between the two billionaires just days ahead of Jio Platforms’ anticipated entry into what is projected to be India’s largest-ever initial public offering (IPO).
Musk made these remarks as Jio Platforms aims for a USD 106 billion valuation in its upcoming public offering. Currently, both Starlink and Jio’s satellite internet business are pending final security clearance from the Indian government prior to rolling out their offerings.
Musk Says Starlink Must Offer Affordable Pricing
Writing in an X post on Saturday, Musk conceded that Starlink would fail to win over Indian consumers if its rates proved too high.
“Obviously, if Starlink is too expensive in India, no one will buy it, so SpaceX will need to make pricing affordable,” he said.
While Musk withheld specific pricing details for Starlink’s Indian launch, mobile data within the country runs at about 8 cents per gigabyte, placing it among the most economical markets worldwide.
Low-cost data has been a cornerstone of Jio’s expansion across India. Musk has similarly deployed competitive pricing strategies in regions like Kenya to rival incumbent telecom companies, while SpaceX concurrently prepares to debut a mobile carrier service starting in the U.S.
According to Musk, heightened competition ultimately serves Indian consumers by expanding their options, despite any resulting dip in Ambani’s earnings.
“The reality is that competition would greatly benefit the average citizen in India by giving them more choices, as it always does. Ambani’s profits will be lower, but he is not going out of business,” he added.
Also Read: Sridhar Vembu Defends India’s Data Prices Amid Elon Musk’s Starlink Row
Musk Accuses Government and Ambani of Delaying Starlink
Musk’s latest remarks arrive on the heels of several X posts where he claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration and Ambani were stalling Starlink’s market entry to safeguard Jio’s market dominance.
These statements represent a departure from Musk’s past cordial public relationship with Modi.
Late Friday evening, Musk openly provoked Ambani by referring to him as “Prime Minister Ambani” and questioning if he might “consider allowing Starlink to compete”.
The Indian government has rejected claims of partiality regarding the satellite internet clearance procedures, asserting that all three applicant satellite ventures—including those from Starlink and Jio—are still waiting on final security approvals.
Reliance has declined to comment on Musk’s claims.
As Jio’s IPO nears and decisions on satellite internet licenses remain outstanding, the rivalry between Musk and Ambani introduces a fresh element to India’s fast-changing telecommunications landscape.
