Elon Musk and Mukesh Ambani Compete for India's Satellite Internet Market
Elon Musk's Starlink and Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Jio are in a battle for India's satellite internet market. With government opting for administrative allocation of satellite spectrum, the situation intensifies the competition, benefitting global players like Starlink. Satellite internet could significantly enhance connectivity in India's rural regions, where 40% of people currently lack access.
Elon Musk's Starlink and Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Jio are vying for dominance in India's emerging satellite internet market.
While Starlink boasts 6,419 satellites orbiting with four million subscribers across 100 countries, it faces regulatory challenges in launching services in India.
In contrast, Ambani's Jio has partnered with SES Astra, using medium-Earth orbit satellites for a cost-effective solution.
India's government has opted for administrative allocation of satellite spectrum, rejecting the auction model preferred by Ambani.
This move, intended to encourage market entry by global players like Starlink, has sparked controversy with existing telecom leaders like Ambani and Sunil Mittal of Bharti Airtel, who control a significant share of India's telecom market.
Satellite internet is crucial for connecting India's underserved rural regions, where nearly 40% of its 1.4 billion population lacks internet access.
Proponents argue it could help bridge the digital divide, though pricing remains a critical factor in a market known for low-cost mobile data.