In the rapidly evolving landscape of global connectivity, the race to provide high-speed satellite internet to the world’s most populous nation has become a focal point for industry titans. For Sunil Mittal, the founder of Bharti Enterprises, this is not merely a technological challenge but a matter of established precedence. Speaking at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum on October 14, 2026, Mittal laid out a clear assertion regarding the competitive landscape in India. He contends that his organization, through its satellite venture, holds a significant advantage over its most prominent rival, Elon Musk’s Starlink. According to Mittal, the groundwork for this position was laid long ago; he notes that Bharti has been navigating the complex web of Indian regulatory approvals for five years, a duration he argues has granted his company a distinct head start in the queue for operational clearance.
For the consumer, the promise of satellite internet is one of seamless, borderless connectivity. However, the reality of deploying such infrastructure is tethered to the terrestrial constraints of government oversight and licensing. On October 14, 2026, while discussing the regulatory journey of Eutelsat OneWeb, Sunil Bharti Mittal offered a glimpse into the frustration of being caught in the machinery of bureaucracy. He noted that while the company had completed the necessary preparations to launch services in India well in advance, they have remained in a state of suspended animation, waiting for the final green lights from authorities. As Mittal stated, "Eutelsat OneWeb had completed the necessary preparations to start services in India quite some time ago, but despite this, the company is still waiting for approvals."
Mittal takes on Musk, says Bharti is ahead of Starlink, ready to launch https://t.co/J6lmxKAzYo
The tension between Bharti and Starlink is underscored by a fundamental disagreement over who is best positioned to capture the Indian market. Elon Musk’s Starlink has frequently dominated the global conversation regarding satellite internet, yet Mittal is keen to reframe the narrative within the Indian context. By explicitly stating that "Bharti is ahead of Starlink in India's satellite approval queue," Mittal is not only asserting a logistical reality but also signaling a defensive posture against the aggressive expansionist strategy associated with Musk’s ventures. This public challenge suggests that the battle for India’s digital future will be fought as much in the halls of regulators as it is in the vacuum of space.
This public challenge suggests that the battle for India’s digital future will be fought as much in the halls of regulators as it is in the vacuum of space.
While the immediate focus remains on the satellite approval process, Mittal’s vision for the future of Indian technology extends further into the horizon. During his recent appearances, he has advocated for a broader reassessment of the regulatory environment, calling for lower taxes and proactive, early action on artificial intelligence regulations. These demands reflect a desire to create a more hospitable climate for long-term infrastructure investment. As the Indian government maintains that there is no bias in its approval processes, the path forward for both Bharti and Starlink remains subject to the deliberate pace of state oversight. For now, the industry watches closely to see how the government balances the ambitions of global tech giants with the regulatory frameworks designed to manage the next generation of connectivity.
#WATCH | Delhi | Bloomberg New Economy Forum | Over Elon Musk's tweet on Starlink, Bharti Enterprises Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal says, "We are all awaiting our approvals. I am significantly ahead of him in the queue. I applied five years back. I have had my ground network ready for the last three years. My satellites have been hovering over India for the last five years. We don't have the permission. So, we will be very happy to get it at least a few days before him." (Source: Bloomberg New Economy Forum via ANI)