Starlink must offer competitive pricing in India, Musk says amid Jio tensions

Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk has waded into the escalating debate over Starlink's market entry into India, stating that his satellite internet venture would have no choice but to adopt competitive pricing if it hopes to attract customers.

"If Starlink is too expensive in India, no one will buy it, so SpaceX will need to make pricing affordable," Musk said in a post on his social media platform X. He emphasised that competition in the telecom sector would ultimately benefit Indian consumers by expanding their service options.

Musk's comments come as Reliance Industries prepares for what is anticipated to be India's largest initial public offering through its digital subsidiary Jio Platforms. In his remarks, Musk contended that while increased competition might reduce profit margins for existing players, established telecom operators would not face existential threats.

"The reality is that competition would greatly benefit the average citizen in India by giving them more choices, as it always does," Musk stated. "Ambani's profits will be lower, but he is not going out of business."

The billionaire entrepreneur also accused opponents of Starlink's India entry of employing "absurd hypocrisy and hyperbole" in their arguments against the satellite internet service, reigniting tensions with India's telecom establishment over market access and regulatory frameworks.