The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is examining security risks linked to satellite communication services, including concerns over “signal spillage” in border areas, before granting final approvals to satellite operators such as Starlink, Eutelsat-OneWeb, and SES, according to an ET Telecom report citing a senior government official.
“Security has always been an important issue, especially in terms of signal spillage into the borders. So that’s a national concern, and the MHA is working on that front,” the official told the publication.
The report said the MHA has formed a Group of Secretaries (GoS) to review the issue. It added that the scrutiny is not limited to Elon Musk-led Starlink but also covers Eutelsat-OneWeb, backed by Bharti Airtel, and the Jio-SES satellite venture.
What is under review?: Signal spillage refers to radio signals extending beyond intended coverage areas. Security agencies are examining whether such transmissions could create risks around border security, spectrum interference, or unauthorised access to communications networks.
Wider satcom scrutiny: The development comes days after reports claimed security agencies had effectively held back Starlink’s remaining clearances despite the company securing key regulatory approvals. Those reports linked the concerns to questions over government control of foreign satellite operators during geopolitical conflicts and reports that Starlink terminals had operated in Iran without a local license.
Starlink’s response: Starlink publicly disputed those claims. Lauren Dreyer, Vice President of Starlink Business Operations at SpaceX, said on X: “Starlink remains in active and productive discussions with the Government of India contrary to misleading stories based upon unsubstantiated claims from anonymous sources.”
She also said, “To align with India’s sovereign technology, regulatory, and security requirements, Starlink has set up a bespoke deployment model for India that further demonstrates our commitment to working within India’s strategic framework.”
Regulatory status: Starlink received a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) license from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in June last year, while Eutelsat-OneWeb and Jio-SES secured GMPCS authorisations. All three operators have received approvals from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe).
According to the report, Starlink has also agreed to India’s data sovereignty requirements, and its shareholding structure has been cleared by authorities. However, final approvals remain tied to the ongoing security review.
Amazon’s Project Kuiper is also awaiting a GMPCS licence from the DoT.
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