India weighs hardware security monitor to monitor Elon Musk’s Starlink, other foreign satellite internet operators: Report | Today’s news
India is reportedly considering a hardware security system to monitor internet traffic carried by foreign satellite operators, including Elon Musk’s Starlink, amid concerns about national security and the country’s dependence on overseas networks.
The proposed facility would serve as a checkpoint through which satellite Internet traffic in India would have to pass, giving authorities greater oversight of communications routed over foreign networks. The proposal is still being discussed by government departments, The Economic Times reported.
“All satellite traffic will have to go through this hardware,” an official told ET on condition of anonymity.
The equipment can be installed either at subscriber premises or at satellite ground stations. However, the government has yet to decide on its final form, functioning or timetable for implementation.
Why is the government interested in foreign satellite networks
India’s interest in monitoring satellite Internet traffic stems in part from concerns about how much control a foreign operator could exercise over connectivity within the country. Because satellite services depend on networks and infrastructure managed by operators, authorities want safeguards to ensure communications remain accessible and surveillable, particularly during a national security crisis or armed conflict.
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Interest is particularly significant for essential services, including defense communications. Officials are wary of a situation where a decision by a private company based overseas could disrupt or limit connectivity at a critical moment.
The government is also examining how other countries have dealt with Starlink. According to an ET report, authorities have taken note of concerns raised in Iran, Namibia and South Africa about the company allegedly operating without required permits.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi accused Starlink of throttling internet speeds and influencing the country during its war with Russia.
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These concerns have added to the debate over how India should regulate foreign satellite operators and protect critical communications from outside scrutiny.
Starlink is yet to clarify India’s regulatory requirements
The proposed monitoring system is being considered as Starlink awaits the necessary approvals to launch its services in India. The company has faced questions from authorities about compliance with domestic infrastructure and security requirements.
The center said satellite internet companies must meet India’s security obligations before they can secure spectrum and begin commercial operations. It also dismissed claims that Starlink is being treated differently from competitors, saying Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb and Reliance Jio’s satellite business are at the same stage of the approval process.
Musk expressed frustration over the delay in rolling out Starlink in India. But the government’s scrutiny reflects broader concerns about satellite networks operating abroad rather than just the company’s pending approval.
India is considering domestic alternatives
India’s push for closer oversight comes at a time when several countries are struggling to maintain control over their satellite communications infrastructure. Russia and China have domestic satellite networks, while Eutelsat OneWeb operates in Europe.
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India is also trying to develop its own capabilities. Reliance Jio is expected to work on creating a low-Earth orbit satellite constellation that could expand domestic satellite internet infrastructure in the country.
As satellite connectivity becomes more important, the government is considering ways to reduce security risks while allowing foreign providers to operate under Indian regulations.
The proposed hardware system could be developed with the help of public sector research institutions specializing in communications, with private firms potentially contributing to the process. But the government has not dealt with the technical details or decided when the system could be introduced.
The proposal remains at the assessment stage. Any move to implement it could reportedly add a new layer of security for foreign satellite internet companies looking to provide services in India.
