Elon Musk has pledged to make Starlink’s satellite internet service “affordable” in India, where the company hopes to compete with Reliance Jio, the low-cost telecom operator owned by billionaire Mukesh Ambani.
Musk made the remarks as Jio Platforms prepares for a $106 billion initial public offering, which would be the biggest IPO in India’s history.
On Saturday, the SpaceX founder wrote on X that Starlink would fail to attract Indian customers if its satellite internet were “too expensive.” He did not disclose prices or clarify whether the service would undercut Jio.
“Therefore, SpaceX will have to keep Starlink pricing to an affordable level,” Musk wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
He said greater competition would give Indian consumers more options, “although it will reduce Ambani’s profits.”
Starlink Aims To Challenge Jio’s Low-Cost Internet Lead
Jio has risen to prominence in the telecom sector by offering inexpensive mobile data and expanding internet access in a country of more than a billion people.
Mobile data in India is among the world’s cheapest, costing about eight US cents per gigabyte. This low cost market could put Starlink, a satellite broadband provider, at a disadvantage as it seeks to establish a presence in India.
By delivering internet through satellites, Starlink could avoid building cellular towers and other infrastructure used by terrestrial networks. Its service could offer another option to rural communities and other places without broadband access.
But Starlink will need to compete with Jio on price, given the company’s dominant position in India’s telecom market.
Starlink may appeal to people who currently pay for mobile data or broadband, but whether it can become a credible rival will depend on subscription prices, equipment costs, service availability and other terms.
Musk has yet to announce Starlink’s proposed prices in India. Critics say Jio and its parent company, Reliance Industries, are unlikely to welcome a new competitor.
Musk And Ambani Exchange Barbs Online
The dispute between Musk and Ambani began after Ambani accused Musk of misrepresenting Starlink’s expansion in the South Asian country. The Tesla and SpaceX chief has alleged that Ambani and the Indian government were intentionally delaying Starlink’s entry to protect Jio, and questioned Ambani about the obstacles the company had encountered in India.
In a sarcastic remark, Musk said he had called Ambani “Prime Minister Ambani,” implying that he wielded excessive influence over Indian politics and the economy.
Musk also argued that everyone, including children, should have internet access, saying it could support education and help businesses sell beyond their local areas.
The Indian government has rejected claims that it is treating Starlink unfairly in Jio’s favour. Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said the government supported fair competition, did not favour any company and sought to prevent monopolies.
Reliance Industries has not responded to Musk’s latest allegations. The two rivals have continued trading criticisms online as their competition intensifies.
Starlink And Jio Pursue Growth As India Sets Telecom Rules
Starlink and its competitors Jio’s satellite division and Bharti backed Eutelsat OneWeb have obtained the required satellite communications licenses. However, they still need security clearance and spectrum related approvals before they can officially begin service.
Spectrum consists of the radio frequencies used for communications. Telecom rules also determine how much spectrum satellite broadband providers can use and what they must pay for it.
Established telecom operators in India support allocating spectrum through auctions, arguing that this ensures a level playing field. Satellite broadband companies such as Starlink have instead called for spectrum to be assigned administratively.
The government’s final decision on spectrum allocation will shape when Starlink and other broadband providers can launch, as well as the terms under which they can operate.
Jio Prepares $106 Billion IPO After Years Of Rapid Expansion
As Reliance Industries readies a major IPO, competition between Jio and Starlink appears likely to intensify.
Reports say Jio Platforms, Jio’s parent company, is seeking a $106 billion valuation for its IPO, potentially making it one of the largest public offerings ever. The company plans to list on both the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange of India.
Jio operates across several sectors, including mobile telecom, fixed line broadband, cloud computing, entertainment, enterprise software and artificial intelligence.
Its core telecom division had 524 million subscribers as of March 2026.
The IPO is expected to bring billions of rupees into the telecom sector as shareholders look to sell some of their holdings.
Jio’s planned listing comes as it pursues new markets and seeks to expand its role in India’s online economy and digital transformation.
Proceeds from the IPO will be used to repay or make advance payments on outstanding borrowings held by its telecom business, Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited.
The offering is set to rank among the largest transactions in India’s financial markets, at a time when many listed companies are seeking additional funds for their operations.