Norms for Satellite Communication Companies
Context: Local manufacturing, data localisation, domestic navigation system, blocking mechanism, and law enforcement cooperation – these are among the key requirements that India has framed for satellite communication companies, including Elon Musk’s Starlink, Amazon’s Kuiper, Eutelsat OneWeb, and Jio, to operate in the country.
Important Pointers: ► Regulatory Framework
Nodal Ministry: Department of Space (DoS), under the Ministry of Science and Technology
Key Regulator: Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe)
Policy Framework: Indian Space Policy, 2023; Satellite Communication Policy, 2000 (revised in 2022); Regulations under Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) Wing of DoT
► Recent DoT Guidelines (May 2025)
Local Manufacturing: Satcom companies must submit a year-wise phased manufacturing plan.
Aim: Achieve at least 20% indigenisation of the ground segment within 5 years of commercial launch.
Data Localisation: All user traffic originating from or destined for India must not be routed through gateways outside Indian territory; Operators must ensure that Indian user traffic is not mirrored or stored on servers located abroad; Data centers and Domain Name System (DNS) resolution facilities must be located within India.
Security and Law Enforcement Cooperation: Essential network functionalities, including lawful interception and monitoring facilities, must be established within India; Operators must provide real-time location data of user terminals to designated law enforcement agencies upon request.
Special Monitoring Zones: 50 km within international borders and coastal areas covering the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) are designated for monitoring user activities.
Integration with NavIC: User terminals should support NavIC-based positioning systems on a "best effort basis."A transition plan to implement NavIC fully by 2029 must be submitted.
► Spectrum Allocation: Spectrum for satellite services is allocated administratively, not through auctions; Applicable frequency bands include Ka-band and Ku-band; Licensing falls under the Unified License (UL) framework of the DoT.
► Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) 100% FDI permitted in the satellite sector: Up to 74% under the automatic route; Beyond 74% requires government approval.
► Compliance with International Treaties: Operators must adhere to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) regulations; Outer Space Treaty, 1967.
► Recent Developments: Companies like Starlink, Amazon's Kuiper, Eutelsat, OneWeb, and Jio are aligning with these guidelines to offer satellite communication services in India; The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is finalizing the contours of satellite spectrum allocation.