Elon Musk responds to meme suggesting Mukesh Ambani fears Starlink entering India: 'I will call and ask'

India has been witnessing a debate since last year over how to allocate spectrum for satellite services, with industry heavyweights Mukesh Ambani of Reliance Industries and Elon Musk of Starlink on opposing sides. Now, Musk has responded to a meme suggesting Ambani is wary of Musk's entry into the Indian market, addressing the issue directly.

Check out the meme below:

Why is Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani afraid of Elon Musk? Is he worried about Starlink's entry into India disrupting his telecom empire? pic.twitter.com/GJiXztmJDg

¡ª DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) October 14, 2024

The meme shows Mukesh Ambani as a child, petrified of a bunny in front which has the Starlink logo.

The meme is titled with the caption, "Why is Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani afraid of Elon Musk? Is he worried about Starlink's entry into India disrupting his telecom empire?"

The original poster insists, "Mukesh Ambani currently dominates the telecom sector. I truly hope @TRAI makes a fair decision¡ªIndia needs Starlink."

This is how Elon Musk responded: "I will call and ask if it would not be too much trouble to allow Starlink to compete to provide Internet services to the people of India."

I will call and ask if it would not be too much trouble to allow Starlink to compete to provide Internet services to the people of India.

¡ª Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 15, 2024

Elon Musk vs. Mukesh Ambani: Clash over spectrum allocation for satellite services

Musk's Starlink supports administrative allocation of spectrum licenses, aligning with a global trend.

In contrast, Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Jio advocates for a spectrum auction, arguing that it ensures fair competition by preventing foreign players from gaining an advantage in providing voice and data services alongside traditional telecom companies.

Elon Musk wants to expand Starlink's satellite internet services to India's rural areas, where access to high-speed internet is limited. He believes that auctioning the spectrum would add geographical limitations and raise costs, making it challenging for companies like Starlink to compete effectively.

On the other hand, Reliance Jio insists that auctions are necessary to maintain a level playing field.

With the Indian government deciding to allot the spectrum administratively rather than through an auction, the decision appears to favour Musk's approach.

Recently, Musk responded to a post highlighting India's choice to allocate spectrum without an auction, shortly after he criticised Ambani's stance.

He expressed his gratitude, saying, "Much appreciated! We will do our best to serve the people of India with Starlink."

Much appreciated! We will do our best to serve the people of India with Starlink.

¡ª Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 15, 2024

How did people respond?

In comments, people shared their own takes on the debate.

One suggested, "Offer quality high speed Internet at 0.8 USD per GB and then threaten Ambani."

Another said, "Mukesh Ambani might be worried about Elon Musk's Starlink disrupting his telecom empire with satellite internet, especially in rural areas. However, with Reliance Jio's strong market presence, he's likely focused on adapting to the competition."

Someone else added, "You hit the nail on the head. When a competitor comes along who can provide better and more cost effective services, the old guard starts to panic."

One comment summed up the sentiment perfectly: "I don't think you people can compete with him in India. He is literally the game changer of the telecom market. Also our government will first support them and not you. Rightly so! Also starlink won't provide services as cheap as Ambanis."

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