New Delhi: Reliance Industries has welcomed competition in India’s satellite communications market, including from Elon Musk’s Starlink, while stressing that all service providers must comply with Indian laws and regulatory requirements.
In a statement issued on Friday, the company said it supported investment and innovation from both domestic and international businesses, provided they operated within the country’s legal framework. It emphasised that the same regulatory standards should apply to every satellite communications provider, regardless of its country of origin.
Reliance also pointed out that its own satellite communication services under Jio were awaiting the necessary regulatory clearances. The company said the approval process should remain consistent for Indian businesses and foreign applicants seeking to enter the market.
The statement comes amid growing attention on India’s emerging satellite broadband sector, where Starlink and Jio are seeking opportunities to expand their presence. Satellite based internet services are expected to provide additional connectivity options, particularly in areas where traditional broadband infrastructure is difficult to establish.
Reliance said it had never viewed competition as a threat, describing it as an important test of how effectively companies serve customers.
The company cited Jio’s entry into India’s telecommunications market in 2016 as an example of its approach. According to Reliance, Jio entered the sector without an existing customer base but has since grown to serve more than 530 million customers.
The company credited Jio with helping expand India’s digital infrastructure and making mobile data services more affordable for consumers. It said the experience demonstrated how investment and competition could transform an industry and widen access to digital services.
Reliance maintained that India’s business environment should remain open to both domestic and international companies that introduce innovation and improve services for consumers.
The satellite internet market is attracting increasing interest as companies look to provide high speed connectivity across urban, rural and remote regions. Starlink, operated by SpaceX, is among the international players seeking to establish services in India, while Jio is also pursuing opportunities in the sector.
Reliance’s statement underlined the importance of a predictable regulatory framework as the market develops. The company said competition should be encouraged, but all operators must meet the same legal and policy requirements.
The emerging contest between satellite internet providers could expand consumer choice and strengthen connectivity across India, with regulatory approvals remaining a key factor in determining when services can become available.
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