Elon Musk has accused some of India’s wealthiest businessmen of obstructing Starlink’s entry into the country, alleging that they are protecting their dominance of the internet market.
Musk made the allegation in a post on his social media platform, X, last week, claiming that “certain oligarchs” were blocking the satellite internet service from operating in India.
He accused the unnamed business interests of maintaining a “monopolistic chokehold on the Indian people” by preventing competition in the country’s internet market.
However, the dispute extends beyond competition between businesses, as the Indian government maintains significant control over telecommunications and internet access.
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The report highlighted the authorities’ use of communication restrictions during public demonstrations in New Delhi. Police reportedly shut down mobile data services within a 2.5-mile radius of the city centre on Saturday, before young people gathered to protest the removal of names from electoral rolls.
Starlink, operated by Musk’s SpaceX, provides internet access through a network of satellites and aims to serve areas where conventional broadband infrastructure is limited.
The service’s proposed entry into India comes amid questions over market competition, government regulation and the authorities’ ability to restrict internet access.
The New York Times
