Key Takeaways
- Starlink must employ only Indian nationals at gateway stations until security clearances are obtained
- Company permitted to import 100 terminals for testing with strict security conditions
- Security concerns emerged after Starlink devices were misused in border areas
- All trial data must be stored in India with regular reporting to authorities
The Indian government has directed Elon Musk’s Starlink to restrict gateway station operations to Indian nationals until security clearances are granted for foreign technical staff. This comes as the satellite internet provider prepares for its commercial launch in India with gateway stations planned across nine locations.
Gateway Infrastructure and Capacity Plans
According to Economic Times reports, Starlink plans to establish gateway earth stations in Mumbai, Noida, Chandigarh, Kolkata, Lucknow and four other Indian locations. The company is developing infrastructure ahead of its satellite communication service launch and has applied for 600 gigabit per second capacity using its Gen 1 constellation.
Spectrum has been provisionally assigned for security compliance demonstrations, with full assignment following prevailing policies after the security review period.
Security Requirements and Restrictions
The Telecom Department has allowed Starlink to import 100 terminals for fixed satellite service testing, but with stringent conditions to prevent potential misuse. Despite Starlink’s interest in bringing foreign technical experts, the company has been explicitly instructed that only Indian nationals can operate gateway stations until the Home Ministry provides security clearances for foreign personnel.
Security agencies raised concerns earlier this year when Starlink devices were reportedly misused in border areas. In March, the Home Affairs Ministry requested an investigation, followed by seizures of Starlink devices alongside weapons in Manipur in December 2024 and recovery of an illegal device in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Compliance and Data Management
Starlink must now comply with security requirements despite initially dismissing concerns. The company is required to store all trial data within India, maintain equipment security, and share detailed terminal information with the Department of Telecommunications and security agencies every two weeks.
This information includes names, addresses, and geo-coordinates of terminal users. Law enforcement agencies retain inspection rights and data access from satcom terminals. License holders must also monitor traffic, establish satellite earth station gateways and a control center in India, ensuring all traffic to or from the country passes through Indian gateways.
