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3w ago

India Issues Letter of Intent to Starlink Amid New Satellite Internet Security Rules

The Department of Telecommunications' stringent regulations aim to ensure national security and data sovereignty as Starlink moves closer to regulatory approval.

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A picture of India at night taken from the International Space Station.
Elon Musk attends a cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 10, 2025. REUTERS/Nathan Howard/File Photo

Overview

  • The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a Letter of Intent to Starlink, marking a significant step toward its approval for satellite internet services in India.
  • Newly mandated regulations require satellite internet providers to comply with 29 security-focused directives, including data localization, geofencing, and lawful interception capabilities.
  • Operators must ensure user terminals do not function outside India’s geo-fenced coverage and block access to restricted websites as directed by the government.
  • Service providers are required to indigenize 20% of their ground segment equipment and integrate India’s NaviC navigation system into terminals by 2029.
  • Existing license holders, OneWeb and Jio Satellite Communications, as well as applicants like Starlink and Project Kuiper, must adhere to these rules to operate in India.