India’s Ministry of Communications has approved a Unified License (UL) for Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited—but with stringent security conditions. Starlink must establish dedicated earth station gateways within India, and no Indian user traffic may be routed through, copied, or decrypted outside the country, nor mirrored on systems abroad.
Security Conditions in Detail
- Local Gateways Mandatory: Communications from satellites to users must pass through gateways located in India, ensuring full data oversight within territorial boundaries.
- Strict Data Localization: Indian user data—network information and traffic—must be stored entirely within India and cannot be mirrored abroad.
- No Copying or Decryption Overseas: The license explicitly prohibits copying or decrypting Indian data outside India.
Broader Regulatory Framework
These restrictions are part of a comprehensive security framework that applies across satellite communication operators—including Starlink, Jio-SES, and Eutelsat OneWeb. Other obligations include:
- Local Infrastructure & Manufacturing: Operators must comply with phased indigenization, mandating local manufacturing of ground infrastructure (at least 20% within five years).
- Lawful Interception Capabilities: Gateways and network control centers must support lawful interception and monitoring by designated Indian authorities.
- Geofencing & Device Authentication: Systems must prevent cross-border misuse, ensure user terminal registration, real-time authentication, and location tracking capabilities.Moneycontrol
Why It Matters
India’s stringent security requirements reflect growing concerns over data sovereignty and cross-border cybersecurity risks—especially in an era of expanding satellite internet services. Controlling how and where data is processed ensures robust oversight and reduces vulnerabilities to external surveillance or misuse.
Quick Summary Table
| Feature | Requirement / Condition |
|---|---|
| Gateway Location | Must be within India |
| Data Storage | Entirely in India |
| Copying/Decryption | Prohibited outside India |
| Data Mirroring | Not allowed on foreign servers |
| Local Manufacturing | ≥20% ground segment made in India (within 5 years) |
| Lawful Interception & Monitoring | Mandatory functionality at Indian hubs/gateways |
| Geo-fencing & Auth | Must prevent signal overspill and authenticate users in real-time |
Final Thoughts
As Starlink prepares to enter the Indian market, the government has made clear that national security takes precedence over convenience. The stringent rules on data routing, storage, and access reinforce India’s commitment to data localization and sovereignty in satellite communications.
