Starlink Blocked? Are OneWeb and Reliance Jio Rejecting Elon Musk’s Bold Plans for Greater India? Details Here

Elon Musk said on X that Starlink is “being blocked by certain oligarchs” who want to keep a monopolistic chokehold on Indian consumers. He called it a crime against the people of India but did not name anyone. He added that Starlink would offer affordable high-speed internet to those who cannot afford current prices.

Government Rejects the Claim

The Ministry of Communications said suggestions that its rules or their implementation are discriminatory are “baseless and misconceived.” It said licences have been granted to three providers: Starlink, Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb and Reliance-backed Jio Satellite Communications.

Where Each Player Stands

OneWeb India got its licence in 2022, Jio Satellite followed later that year, and Starlink received its licence in June 2025. All three still await spectrum and final security clearances, so no commercial service has started. Starlink says it has built about 20 gateway sites in India.

Are Jio and OneWeb Blocking Starlink?

There is no public evidence that any Indian telecom company has improperly blocked Starlink’s approvals. Starlink signed MoUs with both Jio and Airtel last year. Starlink and Jio have, however, clashed in the past over whether satellite spectrum should be auctioned or administratively allocated. India sided with Musk and chose allocation.

Security Concerns Behind the Delay

Elon Musk: Officials have held up approvals over security concerns, including preventing gateway bypass. Starlink says it will keep Indian user data in India.

Final spectrum assignment and security clearance will decide when any of the three can launch. Jio and Airtel also have satellite interests, so the market will stay closely watched.