Starlink to Set Up 9 Earth Stations Across India Ahead of Satellite Internet Launch

The Economic Times reported that nine gateway earth stations will be established in key Indian cities, including Mumbai, Noida, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Lucknow, by SpaceX’s satellite internet service, Starlink. The opening of Starlink’s satellite internet services in India will be aided by these stations. Through its Gen 1 satellite constellation, the corporation has requested 600 gigabits per second capacity over India, according to an official who spoke to The Economic Times. The spectrum has been provisionally assigned to show compliance with security regulations.

As of right now, the permission permits Starlink to do just fixed satellite service demos and import 100 user terminals. Because satellite networks are frequently seen as vital security infrastructure, an official was cited as saying, “Tough conditions have been imposed to prevent misuse.”

Government Putting Strict Security Scanner of Starlink

The ET article claims that Starlink attempted to hire foreign technical specialists to run the station, but the government has prohibited foreigners from managing the gates until the Ministry of Home Affairs has given its security clearance.

Only Indian nationals will be permitted to run these stations for the time being, the source informed the media outlet. India’s increased examination of satcom systems in light of worries about national security and possible abuse in delicate border areas is reflected in the action.

The purported abuse of Starlink terminals in restricted areas sparked concerns from India’s security services earlier this year. After illicit Starlink devices were found in Manipur and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in March, the Ministry of Home Affairs requested that the DoT look into the matter. Since then, authorities have highlighted the importance of data localisation and frequent reporting to prevent satellite equipment from ending up in the wrong hands.

Starlink to Keep Generated Data in India

Commercial services cannot be provided during demonstrations under the provisions of the interim spectrum. All generated data must be kept in India, and Starlink must provide reports to the DoT and security agencies every two weeks that include user locations, terminal information, and geocoordinates.

Officials went on to say that following the security compliance phase, the government’s final rules and pricing structure will determine any regular spectrum assignment.