Musk Targets Ambani Over Starlink Delays as India’s Telecom Race Heats Up

WASHINGTON — Elon Musk on Sunday questioned delays in India’s approval of Starlink, implying that Mukesh Ambani, chairman of Reliance Industries, was influencing the process. The comment came as the satellite‑internet venture confronts a stalled launch while domestic broadband provider Jio expands its 5G and fiber footprint.

Background on Starlink’s Indian bid

Starlink, the low‑Earth‑orbit broadband service operated by SpaceX, has sought permission from India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) since early 2025. The company filed a formal application in March 2025 and has awaited clearance under the country’s licensing regime for satellite services. In a recent X post, Musk asked, “Is Ambani the real boss of India’s telecom sector?” The post referenced a reply from Dr. Aniruddha Malpani, a senior executive at SpaceX, who highlighted the regulatory bottleneck.

Regulatory context

India’s telecom policy requires foreign satellite operators to obtain a Unified License and comply with the National Frequency Allocation Plan. The DoT has cited concerns about spectrum allocation, national security, and the need for a domestic partner. Critics argue that the process has been uneven, with domestic firms such as Reliance Jio receiving expedited clearances for 5G roll‑outs.

Reliance Industries, led by Mukesh Ambani, controls Jio Platforms, which dominates the Indian broadband market with over 450 million subscribers. Jio’s recent launch of a 5G‑only plan and aggressive fiber expansion have positioned it as a potential competitor to satellite broadband, especially in rural areas where terrestrial infrastructure remains limited.

Expert analysis

India Today quoted telecom analysts who said Musk’s remarks reflect a broader strategic calculus. They noted that securing a foothold in India could give Starlink a massive subscriber base, but the company must navigate a regulatory environment that has historically favored domestic players. One analyst observed that the timing of Musk’s comment coincides with Jio’s announcement of a new low‑cost broadband bundle, which could undercut Starlink’s pricing model.

CNBC reported that SpaceX’s satellite constellation, comprising more than 4,000 operational satellites, could complement India’s existing broadband ecosystem by reaching remote villages without fiber. However, the same report highlighted that the DoT has not yet issued a final decision on Starlink’s application, and the agency has scheduled a hearing for late November 2026.

Ambani’s response

Reliance Industries has not issued a direct statement on Musk’s X post. In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) earlier this month, the company reaffirmed its commitment to expanding Jio’s network and complying with all regulatory requirements. The filing did not address the Starlink issue.

Implications for the market

If Starlink receives approval, it could introduce competition in the broadband segment, potentially driving down prices and expanding coverage in underserved regions. Conversely, a prolonged delay may reinforce Jio’s dominance and limit consumer choice.

Investors have reacted cautiously. Shares of Reliance Industries closed at ₹2,845 on Monday, up 0.4 % from the previous session, while SpaceX’s private valuation remains unchanged at $140 billion, according to Bloomberg estimates.

Next steps

The DoT’s upcoming hearing will examine technical specifications, spectrum usage, and compliance with national security guidelines. Both SpaceX and Jio are expected to present detailed proposals. Observers will watch for any indication that the regulator is moving toward a decision before the end of the calendar year.