Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service has officially secured approval to operate in India, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to expand affordable and reliable internet access, especially in rural and remote areas. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) granted Starlink a Unified License (UL), but only after the company agreed to stringent data privacy and security conditions.
According to the DoT, Starlink must establish earth station gateways within India to ensure that Indian user data is not routed, mirrored, or decrypted outside the country. This move strengthens data localization laws in India, protecting sensitive information and aligning with the government’s broader Digital India vision.
The conditions apply to all satellite communication providers, requiring localized infrastructure for internet services. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) had also given inputs on spectrum allocation and pricing before the license approval.
Beyond connectivity, Minister of State for Communications Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar highlighted the sector’s potential to generate employment through the installation, operation, and maintenance of telecom networks, including user terminals. With India pushing for high-speed internet expansion, Starlink’s entry is expected to bridge the digital divide, providing faster access to underserved regions.
The Starlink India launch represents not only a win for users seeking affordable satellite broadband but also a step towards safeguarding national security and data protection.
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