A dispute has emerged between Elon Musk and Mukesh Ambani over the allocation of satellite broadband spectrum in India.
Musk, CEO of Starlink, opposes auctioning the spectrum, calling it an “unprecedented” step that goes against global standards. Using X, the social media platform he owns, Musk emphasized that the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) designates this spectrum for shared satellite use and advocates for a “rational, efficient, and economical” approach.
This position contrasts with Reliance Industries, led by Ambani, which reportedly supports an auction-based allocation. Starlink, along with global competitors like Amazon’s Project Kuiper, favors administrative allocation, which they argue would accelerate the growth of satellite broadband and align with international best practices.
Meanwhile, Reliance has reportedly submitted a private letter to India’s Telecom Regulatory Authority (Trai), opposing administrative allocation and advocating for an auction to ensure a level playing field for international competitors like Starlink.
As Trai continues consultations, the debate underscores the rising significance of satellite broadband in India, a market expected to hit $1.9 billion by 2030.