Govt Rises Security Issues Before Starlink's India Launch
Before Starlink's expected foray into India, the government has imposed a series of security requirements on the Elon Musk-owned satellite communication (satcom) operator. Starlink has been asked to set up a control center in the country, allowing authorities to shut down services in sensitive or conflict zones when required to ensure public safety, according to senior government officials.
We cannot be asked to reach their headquarters in the US during emergencies, a source informed Times of India. Starlink has allegedly assured the government that it is considering the directives and will make appropriate arrangements to comply.
The government has specified various security needs, such as providing for law enforcement agencies to intercept calls through authorized channels when needed. Officials indicated that call interception is a standard security requirement for all telecom networks, including homegrown players such as Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea.
To fulfill this mandate, satcom firms such as Starlink have to eschew end-to-end satellite-to-satellite call transfer. Rather, calls made from India will be delivered through the company's local gateway or point of presence (PoP) and sent over traditional telecom network infrastructure, including undersea fiber cables or ground networks. This provision allows security agencies to intercept communications when needed.
Starlink executives are actively engaging with Indian authorities to address these concerns and align operations with local regulations. The discussions are progressing as Starlink's application for a satcom licence reportedly nears final approval.
This comes at the same time as the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is weighing an initial five-year spectrum allocation to gauge market reaction. Interestingly, this is much less than the 20-year license Musk has requested for Starlink's satellite broadband spectrum.
Meanwhile, Starlink has already made strategic investments to lock in its presence in the Indian market. The firm recently inked deals with India's largest telecom operators Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel. The deals are subject to SpaceX securing final approval from appropriate authorities to introduce Starlink services in India.
With these security and regulation talks on, Starlink appears ready to launch in India in the near future. The partnership with domestic telcos and continued talks with regulators indicate a readiness to conform to India's communications environment alongside tackling national security fears. With approvals almost done, Starlink's launch could transform India's internet connectivity, particularly in rural and underserved regions.
