Elon Musk claims that local oligarchs are obstructing the launch of Starlink in India to maintain their market monopoly. Musk described the situation as a crime against the Indian people, noting that as of May 2026, 11,256 villages in the country still lacked 4G coverage.
Data from March 2026 shows 1.093 billion internet subscriptions in India, with only 440.87 million in rural areas. Connectivity density in rural regions is 48.31 per 100 residents, compared to 126.80 in urban centers. SpaceX has already deployed 20 ground gateway stations within the country.
SpaceX vice president Lauren Dreyer stated that the company has developed specific security controls to keep Indian user data within the country. The satellite network is designed to provide high-speed internet to remote villages, mountainous regions, and islands where traditional infrastructure is absent.
The company is also exploring the Direct to Cell service, which would connect standard 4G smartphones in areas without cellular tower coverage. This initiative requires regulatory approval and partnerships with local operators. Currently, satellite beams over India are disabled, preventing terminal connectivity.
