Elon Musk has entered a heated debate on how India should allocate satellite broadband spectrum, opposing an auction-based approach supported by rivals like Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance. Musk’s Starlink argues that allocating spectrum through administrative allotment aligns with global practices, whereas Reliance advocates for an auction to ensure fair competition.
India’s satellite broadband market, projected to grow 36% annually and reach $1.9 billion by 2030, is at the center of this dispute. Musk called the auction idea “unprecedented,” citing International Telecommunication Union (ITU) guidelines that suggest spectrum should be allocated efficiently as a shared resource.
Sunil Mittal, of Bharti Airtel and Eutelsat, also supports auctions, arguing that satellite companies should buy spectrum like telecom operators. The Indian government is still consulting on the matter, but the debate highlights the growing importance of satellite services in the region.