Elon Musk responds to calls for a level playing field in India’s satcom race
Elon Musk responded to concerns about fair competition in India’s satellite telecom sector. An X user pointed out that Reliance Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea had asked the government to ensure a level playing field before Starlink enters India. Musk replied, “Fair competition would be much appreciated.”
His response comes as the government prepares licensing and spectrum allocation for Starlink. Indian telecom firms accused the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) of ignoring a competitive imbalance between terrestrial and satellite spectrum allocation.
In a petition, Reliance Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea argued that satellite operators should follow the same pricing models, regulatory levies, and fees as terrestrial telecom providers. They insisted that spectrum pricing for satellite services in urban, semi-urban, and rural areas should match terrestrial network costs.
The Telecommunications Act 2023 allows the government to allocate satellite spectrum for a fee, while terrestrial spectrum is auctioned. TRAI is still deciding the final pricing and allocation rules.
Reliance Jio and Airtel claimed that low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite broadband speeds and capacity rival terrestrial networks. They warned that new players like Starlink could oversupply the market and disrupt competition, especially in urban and semi-urban areas.
The telecom giants suggested that satellite spectrum should be allocated at lower prices for non-commercial uses like government operations, disaster recovery, and cellular backhaul. However, they opposed preferential pricing for commercial satellite operators.
The government’s final decision on Starlink’s entry will determine how satellite telecom services compete with traditional networks. Musk’s response signals his interest in a fair regulatory framework as Starlink prepares to expand in India.
