The telecom ministry has laid down fresh ground rules for satellite internet providers entering India.
The deets: the move comes as Starlink’s licence is still on hold and waiting for government approval. The government is saying that the company hasn’t yet met India's security protocols.
The updated rules are:
- Critical functions like the Network Control & Monitoring Centre must be set up within India.
- Operators must also give the government the ability to intercept, monitor, and block network activity when needed. Geo-fencing tech must prevent accidental signal spillover into neighbouring countries, and banned websites must stay blocked.
- Companies will also have to share user terminal info with security agencies, ensure devices are registered and authenticated locally, support NavIC, India’s own GPS, and make sure no Indian data is copied or decrypted outside the country.
Why it matters: India is making sure it stays in control of what happens on its digital turf.
This also creates a level playing field for Indian telecom giants like Jio and Airtel, who are trying to build their own satellite internet systems. Without these rules, global players with deep pockets and global infra could dominate quickly.
