The Indian government has requested Elon Musk’s Starlink to establish a control centre within the country to enable suspension of communications in sensitive areas when required. Additionally, Starlink must ensure call interception capabilities for law enforcement, in line with security protocols. These measures come as Starlink’s satellite communications licence nears approval, with agreements in place with Reliance Jio and Airtel for network expansion.
As Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite venture, advances towards securing a satellite communications licence in India, the Centre has mandated it to set up a local control centre to address national security concerns. This facility will enable authorities to suspend or shut down communications in troubled regions when required, ensuring law and order.
A senior government official told The Times of India (TOI), “A control centre is important as sudden changes in law-and-order situations in any part of the country may require immediate suspension and shutdown of communications services, including those offered through satellites. We cannot be expected to knock on their (Starlink’s) doors or approach their headquarters in the US whenever such an exigency arises.”
Starlink has reportedly assured the government that it is addressing these requirements.
Why Is the Control Centre Important?
India’s telecom laws allow the Centre or state governments to take temporary possession of telecom networks in public emergencies, including disasters and national security threats. Currently, terrestrial telecom operators like Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea comply with these rules, and the same standards are now being enforced for satellite communications.
Alongside service suspension capabilities, the government has also mandated Starlink and other satellite operators to enable call interception for law enforcement agencies. This is a standard requirement for all telecom operators in India.
A senior source explained,“For this, satcom companies have been asked not to transfer calls directly through the satellite network. Instead, they must route calls back to their India gateway before using conventional telecom infrastructure, such as undersea cables.”
For example, if a satellite phone user in India calls someone in France, the call will first connect to the satellite, then route back to Starlink’s India gateway before being transmitted through a conventional telecom network.