The Indian government has outlined strict conditions for Starlink’s entry, requiring a local control center and adherence to specific security measures for call interception, ensuring prompt governmental access during emergencies.
The Indian government has established stringent conditions for Elon Musk’s Starlink to operate within the country. A crucial requirement is the establishment of a local control center to manage urgent law-and-order scenarios that may necessitate an immediate halt to satellite communication services. Officials emphasized that the government must not rely on contacting Starlink’s headquarters in the United States during emergencies.
According to India’s telecom regulations, governmental authorities have the capacity to temporarily gain control over any telecom service or network in instances of public emergencies, disaster management, or safety concerns. These regulations also encompass provisions for internet shutdowns when deemed essential.
In terms of security compliance, satellite communication companies are mandated to refrain from transferring calls directly via the satellite network. Instead, all calls must be re-routed back to the Indian gateway before connecting through conventional telecommunications, such as landlines or terrestrial mobile services. For example, a call from an Indian satellite phone to France will first travel via satellite, then direct back to the local gateway in India before proceeding through standard telecom infrastructure, including undersea cables.
Starlink representatives are actively collaborating with officials to address these security stipulations, demonstrating their commitment to meeting governmental requirements for compliance and safety in operating within India’s telecommunications framework.
In summary, for Starlink to successfully launch its services in India, it must establish a local control center and comply with stringent interception requirements set by the government. These measures aim to ensure swift governmental access to communications during emergencies and enhance the security of satellite communications. Continuous engagement between Starlink and government officials is crucial for addressing these concerns effectively.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
