Zoho Founder Backs India’s Cheap Mobile Data in Starlink Spat
Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu defended India’s low mobile data prices after Elon Musk criticized the country’s telecom market. Vembu credited Reliance Jio’s launch with making mobile internet affordable and noted that many Indians use dual-SIM phones with large data plans. He also pointed to low medicine prices and the UPI payment system as examples of affordable digital services.
Sridhar Vembu, founder of Zoho, responded on X to Elon Musk’s criticism of India’s telecom sector, which comes as Starlink awaits market entry. Vembu attributed India’s inexpensive mobile internet to Reliance Jio’s arrival, saying competition lowered costs for ordinary users. He added that he often tethers his phone rather than use local Wi-Fi while traveling in India.
Vembu also cited affordable medicines and the UPI payments network as examples of low-cost digital services. He contrasted India’s market with US limits on Chinese electric vehicles, arguing those restrictions shield Tesla from competition. He further linked Indian startup advances in low-cost rockets to government policies promoting competition.
The debate may shape how global investors and technology firms view India’s telecom and digital markets, especially as satellite internet providers seek entry. Consumers could benefit if competition keeps data, payments, and medicine costs low, while foreign firms may reassess pricing and regulatory expectations. Indian startups and established operators may face both new opportunities and sharper scrutiny. The exchange could also influence public discussion about market openness, affordability, and how competition policy affects access to essential services.