Notably, the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) has given approval to Bharti-backed OneWeb and Reliance Jio’s partnership with SES.
New Delhi: The Modi government has reportedly imposed strict security requirements on Elon Musk’s Starlink and Jeff Bezos’s Amazon before approving their satellite communication services in India. Notably, the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) has given approval to Bharti-backed OneWeb and Reliance Jio’s partnership with SES. Starlink and Amazon’s applications are still pending due to the additional security checks.
According to an Economic Times report, both companies are expected to provide detailed compliance information regarding data security, coverage area, and other key parameters.
The report further adds that the letters have been sent to both the US technology giants and the government is awaiting to their replies. “Their applications can be processed only after they submit the compliance. The firms have so far not replied,” Economic Times reported quoting person familiar with the details.
The government has reportedly made it clear that the department will wait for some more time for their reply, but the applications won’t be processed till they agree to all the security conditions.
“There are various security-related compliances as well as those related to data, coverage area etc which satcom providers have to give to the government in order to offer services in India. All the boxes need to be ticked,” said a third official.
As per security requirements, the terminals have to stop communicating if there is a change in latitude and longitude position in order to prevent any misuse. In its replies to the government, Starlink had reportedly given a declaration that none of its investors were from countries sharing a land border with India — primarily China and Pakistan. The government had accepted that declaration.
Modi government is extra cautious
The government’s cautious approach stems from concerns about potential security risks, particularly given the strategic importance of satellite communications. The DoT is especially focused on ensuring that satellite terminals near border areas are securely monitored and controlled to prevent unauthorized access or misuse.