The emergence of Starlink customer terminals for sale on the popular Indian business-to-business retail platform IndiaMART has raised concerns about potential security risks. Starlink, a satellite internet service provided by Elon Musk-owned SpaceX, allows customers to access the internet through a network of low earth orbit satellites. However, Starlink is not yet authorized to operate in India, making the sale of its terminals on IndiaMART a questionable endeavor.
Multiple sellers were found listing Starlink terminals on IndiaMART, with prices ranging from ₹15,000 to ₹97,000. It is unclear whether these terminals were genuine, and how sellers planned to facilitate payment of Starlink’s monthly fees from India. Despite attempts to reach out to SpaceX and the Department of Telecommunications for clarification, responses were not received. Additionally, sellers listed on IndiaMART did not respond to inquiries made through the platform’s call-forwarding facility.
Following inquiries by The Hindu, some listings were removed from IndiaMART, while others remain active. IndiaMART stated that sellers are responsible for the content they post on the platform and that any breaches of terms and conditions would result in the removal of listings. India has strict regulations regarding unapproved telecommunications, citing security concerns related to terrorist threats and border infiltrations.
The restrictions on satellite phones and internet communications in India have led to incidents where individuals have faced legal consequences for using unauthorized devices. For example, a senior executive from Saudi Aramco was briefly detained for using a satellite phone in India, while a fisherman was questioned for using a satellite phone given to him for emergencies while at sea. These incidents highlight the stringent measures in place to monitor telecommunications activities in the country.
Starlink and its competitor OneWeb have yet to receive authorizations to operate in India due to security clearance requirements from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Authorities are seeking assurances that satellite internet traffic can be intercepted and that terminals brought into the country are restricted from functioning within Indian territory. The Ministry of Home Affairs has not provided information on whether Starlink has met these requirements.
Satellite internet services in India are primarily used for business purposes or as backhaul in remote areas like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep. Companies like Starlink offer increased bandwidth and connectivity in remote regions without the need for extensive cable infrastructure. However, the regulatory hurdles and security concerns surrounding satellite internet services in India continue to pose challenges for their widespread adoption.
In conclusion, the presence of Starlink terminals for sale on IndiaMART underscores the complexities of introducing new technologies in a highly regulated market like India. The need for security clearances and assurances regarding interception capabilities highlight the government’s cautious approach to satellite internet services. As the demand for connectivity in remote areas grows, finding a balance between innovation and security will be crucial for the future of satellite internet in India.