Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (NASDAQ:SPCX) -owned Starlink says it has completed much of the infrastructure needed to bring its satellite internet service to India, but Elon Musk alleges powerful business interests are blocking its commercial launch.
Starlink Has Built 20 Gateway Sites Across India
Starlink has established 20 gateway sites featuring hundreds of antennas across India, according to Starlink executive Lauren Dreyer.
The company has also implemented India-specific security measures to ensure user data remains within the country and says its network is prepared to comply with local regulations.
"We’re standing ready to serve India. Once India is ready," Dreyer said on Wednesday at the India Mobile Congress 2026. "We’re ready to work with the government, ready to work with operators, ready to work with industry to this end."
Starlink’s commercial rollout remains subject to government regulatory approvals and spectrum allocation.
Elon Musk Blames ‘Certain Oligarchs’ for the Delay
Musk took to X and accused "certain oligarchs" of keeping Starlink out of India to preserve their grip on the country’s internet market.
"You can guess who they are," Musk said, describing the alleged blockade as a "crime against the people of India."
Musk did not name any individuals or companies or provide evidence supporting the allegation.
Starlink Faces Ambani, Mittal Rivalry
Starlink would enter a growing satellite internet market that already includes Eutelsat OneWeb, backed by Sunil Mittal’s Bharti Group and Reliance Jio Space Technology, backed by Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries.
Mittal and Ambani both rank among the top five richest people on Forbes’ 2026 list of India’s 100 Richest.
In August, Starlink reapplied to India’s space regulator for approval to deploy its Gen 2 satellite constellation, including technology that enables direct-to-device connectivity.
Starlink has also entered into agreements with Indian telecom giants Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio to expand its service to remote and underserved areas.
India Offers A Huge Market for Starlink
India has more than 1 billion internet subscriptions, but hundreds of millions of people remain without internet access, particularly in rural and remote areas, Forbes reported.
Satellite broadband could help overcome the cost and geographic challenges of laying fiber infrastructure across difficult terrain.
However, affordability remains another hurdle. Starlink typically charges hundreds of dollars for hardware and around $90 to $120 a month in the U.S., although it offers lower regional pricing in some developing markets, the report noted.
In a separate post, Musk said, "Starlink in India would enable high-speed, affordable Internet connectivity for those who can’t afford current prices or who don’t have a connection at all!"
On X, Musk also said that Starlink’s satellite beams are currently switched off over India, disputing claims that militants in the country are using the satellite internet service because the devices cannot connect to the network.
Price Action: On Wednesday, SpaceX closed at $167.60, down 2.51%. Its shares rose 0.54% to $168.50 in after-hours trading, according to Benzinga Pro.
According to Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings, SpaceX maintains a positive price trend across the short, medium and long term.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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