Starlink's India entry: Government seeks control center citing security concerns

Reliance Jio joins hands with SpaceX for Starlink internet services in India. (Courtesy: Reuters photo)

Days after telecom giants Airtel and Reliance Jio signed a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX for Starlink’s entry into India, the Central government has asked the US-based satellite internet provider to establish a control center in the country.

According to a report by The Times of India, the control center is intended to help maintain law and order by enabling the suspension or shutdown of communication services in sensitive areas when required. The report, citing sources, added that security agencies have specified mandates allowing them to intercept calls through official channels when necessary.

Starlink to address control center, interception concerns

Highlighting the need for a control center, the report stated that it would be crucial in situations where sudden changes in law and order require the suspension of satellite communication services. Authorities cannot be expected to contact Starlink’s US headquarters in emergencies, the report noted. Starlink has assured the government that it will address this concern.

Under India’s telecom laws, the central and state governments can take temporary control of any telecom service or network in cases of public emergency, disaster management, or public safety, the report added.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has raised concerns over the recent Starlink agreements between telecom firms and SpaceX. Criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he claimed that the deal was orchestrated to gain the goodwill of US President Donald Trump. Taking to X, Ramesh questioned how Airtel and Jio signed deals with SpaceX just 12 hours apart, despite their previous objections to its entry into India.

The deal between Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Jio and Elon Musk’s SpaceX was signed on Wednesday, surprising many as the two billionaires had been at odds for months over the allocation of internet service airwaves.