Elon Musk, Mukesh Ambani Compete in India's Broadband Market

Elon Musk's Starlink and Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Jio are set to compete in India's satellite broadband market as the government shifts to an administrative allocation of satellite spectrum, a move Musk supports. India is projected to have two million satellite internet subscribers by 2025, with the market becoming increasingly competitive, featuring major players like Jio and Airtel. Starlink, which operates 6,419 low-Earth orbit satellites and currently has four million subscribers globally, aims to provide high-speed internet, particularly in underserved rural areas. Ambani's Jio is advocating for a level playing field through spectrum auctions, contrasting with Musk's preference for administrative allocation. As both companies prepare to launch services, regulatory decisions from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) are anticipated to significantly impact the competitive landscape. This development is seen as critical for bridging India's digital divide and attracting foreign investment.