Elon Musk has pledged to price Starlink’s satellite internet service affordably in India, intensifying competition with Reliance Jio as both companies await final security clearance to begin operations in the country’s satellite broadband market.
Musk made the comments in a post on his social media platform X on Saturday, arguing that lower prices and greater competition would give Indian consumers more choice. He did not specify a proposed Starlink tariff.
“Obviously, if Starlink is too expensive in India, no one will buy it, so SpaceX will need to make pricing affordable,” Musk said. “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.”
The remarks came days before Jio Platforms, Reliance Industries’ digital and telecommunications holding company, is expected to launch India’s largest-ever initial public offering, targeting a valuation of $106 billion, according to the report. Jio Platforms owns the telecom business that built its market position around low-cost mobile data.
Starlink, operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, and Reliance’s satellite venture are among three satellite internet companies awaiting final security clearance from the Indian government. India has denied that the approval process is biased towards Jio, stating that all three applicants are in the same position and awaiting clearance.
Musk’s intervention marks a sharper public confrontation with Reliance chairman Mukesh Ambani. In a post late on Friday, Musk addressed Ambani as “Prime Minister Ambani” and asked whether he would consider allowing Starlink to compete in India. Reliance has not responded to requests for comment on the remarks.
The dispute concerns more than a rivalry between two technology companies. Satellite broadband could expand connectivity in locations where fixed-line networks are difficult or costly to build, although the final reach of the service will depend on regulatory approvals, pricing, equipment costs and network deployment. The report does not provide details of Starlink’s proposed Indian coverage, launch date or consumer tariff.
India already has some of the world’s lowest mobile data prices, with data costing about eight cents per gigabyte, according to the report. That pricing environment creates a significant challenge for satellite operators, whose services typically require specialised user equipment in addition to recurring subscription fees.
Jio’s satellite venture is also awaiting final security clearance, placing both companies in a market that remains commercially anticipated but not yet operational. The government’s approval process and the companies’ ability to offer services at prices acceptable to Indian households will determine when consumers can access satellite broadband.
For now, Musk’s statement establishes a pricing position rather than a confirmed product offer. The next formal milestones are the completion of security clearances and any subsequent announcements on licences, service availability and tariffs.
