Starlink to Establish Control Center in India
The Indian government has mandated Elon Musk’s satellite company, Starlink, to establish a control center within the country. This center will enable authorities to suspend or shut down communication services in sensitive areas as needed to maintain law and order. This directive comes as Starlink’s application for a satellite communications license progresses, with the company forming partnerships with major telecom players like Reliance Jio and Airtel.
Importance of a Control Center
The establishment of a control center is crucial for managing communication services during sudden law-and-order situations. According to sources, the government cannot rely on contacting Starlink’s headquarters in the United States during emergencies. The control center will allow for immediate action to suspend satellite communications when necessary. This capability is essential for ensuring public safety and effective disaster management. The Indian telecom law provides the government with the authority to take temporary possession of any telecom service during public emergencies. This includes the ability to shut down internet services if required. The government has emphasized the need for Starlink to comply with these regulations to ensure seamless communication management in times of crisis.
Call Interception Mandates
In addition to the control center, the security establishment has outlined requirements for call interception by law enforcement agencies. This measure is not new, as similar mandates exist for terrestrial networks operated by companies such as Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea. The government has clarified that satellite communication companies must not route calls directly through satellite networks. Instead, calls will be directed back to an Indian gateway before being transmitted through conventional telecom channels. For instance, if a user makes a satellite phone call to France, the call will first return to Starlink’s India gateway before being routed through undersea cables to its final destination. This process ensures that law enforcement can monitor communications as needed, aligning with existing protocols for terrestrial networks.
Ongoing Discussions with Government Officials
Starlink representatives have been actively engaging with government officials to address security concerns related to their operations in India. The company has expressed its commitment to comply with the Indian government’s requirements, including the establishment of the control center and the implementation of call interception protocols.
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