Strengthening Satellite Internet Regulations in India

India has rolled out a fresh set of stringent security protocols for satellite communication service providers, reflecting its increasing regulatory vigilance in the digital space. As the demand for satellite-based internet services grows—especially with players like Starlink eyeing the Indian market—the government aims to strike a balance between innovation and national security. These new measures come at a time when Starlink’s application for a satellite license is still pending due to non-compliance with current safeguards. The Ministry of Communications and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) have reiterated that all operators must align with India’s security expectations before entering or expanding in the country.

Mandatory Localisation and Geo-Fencing Requirements

One of the key changes introduced by the DoT is the requirement for localisation of core infrastructure and functions. All satellite operators must ensure that their Network Control and Monitoring Centres are located within India. Additionally, geo-fencing systems must be in place to prevent unintentional signal coverage in neighbouring countries, thereby avoiding potential diplomatic or territorial issues. These systems should also be capable of blocking or restricting access to specific users or groups, based on direct orders from Indian security agencies. The government is focused on ensuring satellite services remain tightly controlled within sovereign boundaries.

Data Sharing and Surveillance Compliance

To bolster surveillance and law enforcement capabilities, the rules require satellite internet providers to share user terminal information with Indian authorities and ensure terminal registration and authentication within national territory. The ability to intercept communication, monitor user activity, and block blacklisted websites is now a legal mandate. Operators are further prohibited from copying or decrypting any Indian telecom data outside the country, ensuring that sensitive user information and traffic remain protected under Indian jurisdiction. These rules align with India’s growing concerns over cross-border data privacy and unauthorized data handling.

Supporting India’s Indigenous Navigation System

In a significant push for self-reliance, the government has also mandated that satellite communication devices and services be compatible with NavIC, India’s own satellite navigation system. This requirement not only encourages the adoption of indigenous technology but also limits dependency on foreign GPS networks. With NavIC integration, India aims to enhance its capability in precise geolocation, navigation, and disaster response services. For global satellite providers, compliance with this clause represents both a technological challenge and a strategic pivot towards supporting India’s digital sovereignty initiatives.

National Security Takes Priority in the New Internet Era

India’s latest policy update highlights the country’s prioritization of national security over rapid technological adoption in the satellite internet space. As international giants like Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper prepare to tap into India’s vast digital market, they now face a more complex compliance landscape. These new rules ensure that the growth of satellite-based internet is aligned with Indian interests, laws, and security frameworks. The move sets a precedent for how developing nations can embrace global tech advancements while retaining sovereignty over their digital infrastructure—signaling a future where innovation and regulation must go hand-in-hand.

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Source –  CNBCTV18