Satcom permit may force Starlink to share information on illegal kits seized
Elon Musk
's Starlink's satcom permit from the Indian government will make it mandatory for the company to share information, including details of users or owners of satellite kits seized in the country, particularly in the North-East region in the past few months, information the US company was unwilling to share earlier.
India's security agencies have pointed out the misuse of Starlink devices in Indian territory, especially in the border areas, officials said.
But the Musk company hasn't been cooperating in sharing details of those devices. Officials said Starlink asked the security agencies to put their requests either via the US law enforcement or international protocols. This had forced the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to write to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in March to investigate the matter, officials aware of the details told ET.
The DoT is yet to submit a report to the MHA. But officials say, now that a satcom license has been given to Starlink, it will have no choice but to share those details. Else, the company could be issued a show cause notice and even face revocation of license. An ET query sent to SpaceX, parent of Starlink, remained unanswered.
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Various ministries coordinate when it comes to national security. Since commercial satellite communication services, particularly through low earth orbit (LEO) operators like Starlink, is a new phenomenon, its impact is yet to be ascertained. However, the security agencies have seized some terminals that were active in the Indian territory in the Northeast region and sought details of the owners.
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The DoT was asked to investigate the matter and take preventive measures to safeguard national interests.
Experts believe that the situation may become more complicated as Bhutan and Bangladesh are now commercially offering Starlink services and the terminals may be smuggled into Indian territory as geofencing the exact location of the international border will have limitations. Security is topmost priority when it comes to satcom and so far, none of the three licensees-Bharti group-backer Eutelsat OneWeb, Reliance Jio-SES and Starlink-have got security clearances, hobbling commercial services.
While Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio-SES joint ventures have got trial spectrum and conducted demonstrations for security requirements, Starlink is yet to be given such airwaves. The US company was given a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite permit only last week.
Officials said while the Jio-SES demonstrations are almost over, it is expected to take more time for Eutelsat-OneWeb. Both OneWeb and Jio-SES have satcom permits and nods from space regulator IN-SPACe for over two years. In contrast, Starlink is yet to receive the nod from the regulator.
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