Centre imposes strict security checks on Elon Musk's Starlink, Amazon as they seek satellite service approval

PTC News Desk: The Indian government's Department of telecommunications has imposed stringent security checks on Elon Musk's Starlink and Amazon before approving them to provide satellite communication services, according to The Economic Times.

The two organisations must give extensive information to ensure compliance with additional security checks on important factors such as data security and coverage areas.

Bharti-backed OneWeb and Reliance Jio's partnership with SES have already been approved.

An official told ET that the department has issued letters to both companies seeking compliance information but has yet to get a response. “Their applications can be processed only after they submit the compliance,” the official added.

Another source stated that the department would wait for a response from the corporations to ensure that "all the boxes are ticked".

According to security regulations, companies that provide satellite communication services must have their terminals stop communicating if their latitudinal and longitudinal positions change.

India is monitoring security concerns from satellite services, particularly in surrounding countries, to prevent illegal access, which has resulted in strict security measures.

Elon Musk's Starlink has already presented the government with an official declaration that none of its investors are from nations that share land borders with India, namely China and Pakistan.

Meanwhile, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India is developing recommendations on pricing and other key criteria for satellite spectrum allocation.

Traditional telecom businesses including Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea are pushing for the same regulations to apply to both terrestrial and satellite operators.