Elon Musk is fighting for entry into one of the world’s biggest internet markets, against the billionaire whose Jio network connects more than 520 million Indians.
On Friday, Musk mocked Mukesh Ambani as India’s “real boss” for keeping out Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service. Meanwhile, Ambani’s Jio is building its own version.
Musk’s Mock Letter to “Prime Minister Ambani”
Ambani holds no government office. He chairs Reliance Industries, which owns Jio. Forbes puts his fortune at $86.3 billion on its latest India rich list.
Musk addressed him as prime minister anyway, apologizing for not realizing Ambani was “the real boss of India.”
“Naturally, you would prefer to maintain your monopolistic exploitation of the great people of India, but would you nonetheless consider allowing Starlink to compete?” said Musk.
Inside Jio’s $10 Billion Plan to Rival Starlink
Jio plans a network of about 1,600 satellites. Industry experts put the cost at $10 billion to $15 billion, Business Today reported.
On paper, it is bigger. Jio’s design targets up to 5 terabits per second of capacity over India. Starlink is approved for 600 gigabits, according to Business Standard. That is roughly eight times more.
But Jio’s network is years away. Its first test flight is targeted for September 2027, with all 1,600 satellites by 2035, Angel One reported.
Jio also signed a deal in March 2025 to sell Starlink kits once India approves the service.
Who Is Actually Holding Starlink Back?
Starlink won its Indian licence in June 2025. However, it still needs Home Ministry security clearance, then airwaves from the government. Jio’s satellite arm waits at the same two steps.
The government called claims of unfair treatment “baseless and misconceived,” Business Standard reported.
“India does not allow a monopoly in any sector,” said Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia
Starlink says it has already built 20 ground stations in India. Jio’s first test flight is still 11 months away.
