India Unveils Tough Security Norms for Satellite Internet Services as Starlink Eyes Market Entry

As India opens its skies to public satellite communication for the very first time, the Department of Telecom has laid out robust security rules aimed at safeguarding national interest. With global giants like Elon Musk’s Starlink, Bharti Group-supported OneWeb and Jio Satellite Communications preparing to offer satcom services in India, the new guidelines are designed to create a secure digital frontier.

The rules, announced Monday, forbid any user connection or data routing through foreign gateways or terminals. All processing and storage of user data must occur strictly within India’s borders. Providers must ensure sensitive information such as terminal locations remains invisible to entities outside the country.

Another striking mandate is that satcom providers must localize at least 20 percent of their ground infrastructure within the initial years of operations. These conditions reflect India’s determination to protect its digital sovereignty as it transitions into an era of space-based connectivity.

Before starting services, licensees must obtain security clearance for all network hubs and demonstrate their surveillance and interception capabilities to the Department of Telecom or designated officials. As per the rules, “The Monitoring and Lawful Interception shall be provided… at the gateway, PoP, NCMC or any equivalent facility,” and should integrate seamlessly with national surveillance systems such as CMS and IMS.

Providers are also tasked with identifying special monitoring zones spanning 50 kilometers along international borders and coastlines, ensuring constant vigilance over user activity by security agencies including the armed forces and intelligence bodies.

Like traditional telecom players, satcom firms must block all content restricted by Indian authorities. Furthermore, companies are expected to ensure that no terminal can access the network from beyond India’s geographical coverage or foreign gateways. All Indian traffic must be confined within domestic satellite systems and infrastructure.

An undertaking must also be submitted declaring that no Indian telecom data will be decrypted or copied outside the nation.

Devices registered in India will be prevented from connecting to any system located abroad. These steps, while stringent, mark a firm stride towards secure digital connectivity from space.

With Jio and OneWeb already licensed and Starlink awaiting final approval, operations are expected to begin post allocation of spectrum frequencies. The norms are aligned with recommendations from India’s telecom regulator and are likely to be ratified soon.