The Indian government has mandated stringent conditions for Starlink’s operations, including a Local Control Centre for emergency communications and specific routing requirements for calls. These measures are in response to security and compliance with local telecommunications laws, with Starlink actively negotiating with officials to meet these regulations.
The Indian government has imposed stringent conditions for Elon Musk’s Starlink to operate within the country. A key requirement is the establishment of a Local Control Centre, necessary for managing law-and-order situations that may necessitate the immediate suspension of satellite communication services. Government sources emphasize the impracticality of reaching out to Starlink’s US headquarters during emergencies, stating, “We cannot be expected to knock on their (Starlink’s) doors whenever such an exigency arises.” Starlink has acknowledged the government’s requirements and is reportedly reviewing the situation.
India’s telecommunications regulations grant the central or state government authority to assume control of service networks in cases of public emergencies, disaster response, or safety issues. These regulations also contain provisions for implementing internet shutdowns as deemed appropriate. In line with these laws, Starlink must adapt its operational procedures to ensure compliance with interception requirements for security purposes.
In compliance with these regulations, satellite communication companies are instructed to avoid direct transfers of calls through satellite networks. Instead, calls originating from satellite phones must be routed back to the Indian gateway before being transmitted through conventional communication infrastructure, such as terrestrial mobile and landline services. This means that, for example, a call placed from a satellite phone in India to France will first travel to India’s gateway before being redirected through traditional telecom channels.
In light of the security concerns posed by the Indian authorities, representatives from Starlink have been actively engaging with government officials to address and resolve these issues. Their ongoing discussions aim to facilitate Starlink’s entry into the Indian telecommunications market while ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations.
In summary, the Indian government has set forth strict conditions for Starlink’s entry into the market, including the establishment of a Local Control Centre and adherence to interception requirements for security compliance. The collaboration between Starlink representatives and government officials is crucial for navigating these regulatory demands and ensuring the service can effectively operate within India’s legal framework.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
