Reliance Welcomes Starlink, Demands Equal Rules for All

Reliance Industries has expressed its support for greater competition in India’s satellite communications market, welcoming the entry of Elon Musk’s Starlink and other domestic and international players. In a statement released on October 16, the company said that increased competition could encourage investment, promote technological innovation and improve digital connectivity for consumers. Reliance maintained that all companies operating in India must comply with the country’s laws, government policies and regulatory requirements, regardless of whether they are Indian or foreign.

Reliance’s telecom arm, Jio, is also working towards launching satellite internet services. The commercial rollout will depend on securing the necessary approvals, including applicable licences, spectrum-related permissions and compliance with security and regulatory requirements. Reliance has called for applications from all companies to be assessed transparently and under equal standards. According to the company, Jio has more than 530 million users, giving it a substantial presence in India’s telecom market. The entry of Starlink and other providers could expand consumer choice, although service availability, pricing, infrastructure and quality will be important factors in determining their success.