Reliance Hits Back at Elon Musk, Says Rules Apply Equally to all

Reliance Industries has replied to Elon Musk's claims of delays in the India launch of Starlink, stating Indian restrictions apply equally to domestic and foreign enterprises. Reliance said its satellite internet services were also seeking regulatory clearances.

Reliance hits back at Elon Musk, says rules apply equally to all
Reliance hits back at Elon Musk, says rules apply equally to all

In response to recent complaints from billionaire Elon Musk on the delays in the launch of his Starlink satellite internet service in India, Reliance Industries responded on 16 October. The firm stated that it has always welcomed competition and that the legal system in the country treats local and foreign enterprises equally. Following some recent comments on Reliance and the Indian market, the business has issued a statement stating its desire to set the record straight.

It went on to say that Reliance, like all other Indian businesses, has flourished in an India that is open to both domestic and foreign investment and innovation that would better people's lives. The corporation claimed that the rule of law was the foundation of India's welcoming investment climate. This is why it is important to note that Reliance's own satellite services are also waiting for regulatory clearances.

India Follows Strict Regulation: Reliance

According to Reliance, the rule of law is the foundation upon which transparency should be built. Every candidate, whether they are from India or not, goes through the same procedure, according to the Indian government. Approvals for Jio's own satellite services are still pending. In response to claims that it was anti-competitive, the firm highlighted the expansion of its telecom division since its 2016 debut. Reliance has never been afraid of competition, according to the corporation.

It thinks it's the finest way to find out who really cares about the consumer. The business highlighted the fact that Jio had grown its subscriber base to more than 530 million after entering the competitive Indian telecom industry in 2016 with zero customers. In addition, the statement highlighted that Jio has provided Indians with world-class digital infrastructure and cheap data in just a decade, earning the confidence of more than 530 million subscribers.

Elon Musk Alleged Reliance for Unfair Practice

Musk has taken aim at Mukesh Ambani, chairman of Reliance Industries, on multiple occasions in relation to the postponement of Starlink's commercial debut in India. Musk said he was trying to shore up his position in the nation's telecom industry. In a further assault on October 11, Musk accused Ambani's internet followers of "absurd hypocrisy and hyperbole" for presenting competing claims regarding Starlink's competitiveness.

Musk raised the paradox of Starlink's dual status as both an expensive competitor to Jio's cheap services and a major danger to the firm in an X post. He maintained that Indian consumers would gain from more options if Starlink was allowed to function. Musk further stated that he would not be driven out of the company even if increased competition lowered Ambani's profits.

After Starlink's arrival in India, Musk had sarcastically called the chairman of Reliance "Prime Minister Ambani" and claimed that he had control over the deal. According to Musk, Starlink has the potential to increase internet access in underserved and rural areas. Further, it can open doors to digital marketplaces and education and keep people in the loop during emergencies.