Ambani Loses Out In Tussle With Musk
India-West News Desk
NEW DELHI – India’s decision to allocate satellite spectrum through administrative means rather than auctions has stirred the market, with Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio having raised concerns about potential disadvantages. The policy aligns with global practices and has been championed by Elon Musk’s Starlink, which is preparing to enter the Indian market.
Reliance Jio, which has invested $19 billion in previous airwave auctions, pushed for a competitive bidding process, arguing that administrative allocation could unfairly benefit Starlink. Analysts noted to Reuters that auctions often involve higher investments, which might deter foreign players, but administrative allocation lowers entry barriers for global competitors like Musk’s satellite venture.
Ambani has warned that Starlink’s entry could disrupt India’s telecom landscape, especially as satellite technology advances, increasing competition in broadband, data, and voice services. Starlink has already disrupted markets like Kenya with its aggressive pricing, and India, with its 942 million telecom users, represents a lucrative opportunity, Reuters reported. Deloitte estimates the country’s satellite broadband market could reach $1.9 billion by 2030.
India’s telecom sector, dominated by Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea, is highly competitive, with the government also supporting state-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited. Vodafone Idea, struggling under $24 billion in dues, faces additional challenges, while BSNL is receiving government backing to expand its 4G services to regain market share.
pemba
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starlink”s service is rubbish. in Kenya starlink review is of 1 star out of 5
January 28, 2025Mouli
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Mis-leading headlines. Ambani hasn’t lost yet since the spectrum hasn’t been allocated to anyone yet. It’s just that the allocation will be based on administrative decision rather than an auction which would enable Musk to enter the market. For all that Musk may decide not to, at the last moment, knowing his quirky behavior.
January 28, 2025