‘We Welcome Starlink’: Reliance Says All Satcom Companies Must Comply With Indian Laws

Reliance Backs Competition From Starlink, Says All Satellite Internet Players Must Follow Indian Laws

Reliance Industries has said it welcomes competition in India’s satellite communications market, including from Elon Musk’s Starlink, but emphasised that every company must comply with the country’s laws and regulatory requirements.

In a statement on Friday, the company said it supports investment and technological innovation from Indian and international businesses, provided they operate within India’s legal framework. The comments come as competition in the country’s satellite broadband sector attracts increasing attention.

“We welcome competition in satellite communications, including Starlink. Every player, Jio included, must serve the people of India and abide by the laws and policies of the land,” Reliance said.

Reliance Says Jio Is Also Awaiting Clearances

The company noted that Jio’s satellite communication services are awaiting regulatory approvals, stressing that Indian and foreign applicants should be subject to the same procedures.

“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 said.

The statement comes as satellite internet providers look to expand their presence in India, with the technology offering the potential to improve connectivity in remote areas and locations with limited terrestrial broadband infrastructure.

‘We Have Never Feared Competition,’ Says Reliance

Reiterating its position on market competition, Reliance said it considers rivalry among service providers an important factor in improving customer experience and service quality.

“At Reliance, we have never feared competition. We see it as the truest test of who serves the customer best,” the company said.

Reliance also pointed to Jio’s entry into the Indian telecom sector in 2016, saying the company had grown from a new market entrant to an operator serving more than 530 million customers.

“Jio itself entered India’s crowded telecom market in 2016 as the newest player, with not a single customer. In just ten years, Jio has earned the trust of over 530 million customers,” the statement said.

The company further credited Jio with helping expand India’s digital infrastructure and making data services more affordable.

Starlink and Jio Compete for a Share of the Satellite Market

India’s satellite communications sector is emerging as a potential growth area, attracting domestic and international companies seeking to deliver internet services through satellite networks.

Starlink, led by Elon Musk, and Reliance-backed Jio are among the companies looking to establish a presence in this market. Their services remain subject to applicable regulatory requirements and approvals.

Reliance said India’s business environment should encourage investment and innovation regardless of where companies originate, while ensuring that all operators follow the same legal framework.

“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,” the company said.

The company’s remarks underline its support for competition in satellite communications while calling for consistent regulatory treatment of all service providers operating in India.