Satellite Communication Regulation in India
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: TH
Context: India has framed new regulatory guidelines for satellite communication companies mandating local manufacturing, data localisation, NavIC compliance, and enhanced national security cooperation.
About Satellite Communication Regulation in India:
• What is Satellite Communication? Satellite communication (satcom) enables wireless transmission of signals using satellites orbiting the Earth. It supports broadband, TV broadcasting, GPS navigation, and remote area connectivity.
• Satellite communication (satcom) enables wireless transmission of signals using satellites orbiting the Earth. It supports broadband, TV broadcasting, GPS navigation, and remote area connectivity.
• Regulating Agencies:
• Department of Telecommunications (DoT) – Issues operational guidelines and approvals. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) – Finalises policy framework including spectrum allocation and pricing.
• Department of Telecommunications (DoT) – Issues operational guidelines and approvals.
• Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) – Finalises policy framework including spectrum allocation and pricing.
• Key Provisions under New Satcom Guidelines (2025):
• Local Manufacturing & Indigenisation Satcom firms must submit a 5-year phased manufacturing plan. At least 20% of the ground segment should be indigenously produced by Year 5. Data Localisation & Monitoring: No user traffic should be routed through foreign gateways or PoPs. All user data, DNS services, and control systems must be located in India. Mandatory lawful interception, user monitoring, and data security protocols. NavIC Compliance User terminals should support NavIC (India’s regional navigation system) on a best-effort basis. Full implementation deadline set for 2029. National Security Provisions Must enable service restrictions during hostilities or emergencies. Establish Special Monitoring Zones (within 50 km of borders and coastal EEZ). Report unregistered/foreign user terminals in real-time to law enforcement agencies. Service-Specific Security Clearance Separate security clearance needed for voice and data services.
• Local Manufacturing & Indigenisation Satcom firms must submit a 5-year phased manufacturing plan. At least 20% of the ground segment should be indigenously produced by Year 5.
• Satcom firms must submit a 5-year phased manufacturing plan.
• At least 20% of the ground segment should be indigenously produced by Year 5.
• Data Localisation & Monitoring: No user traffic should be routed through foreign gateways or PoPs. All user data, DNS services, and control systems must be located in India. Mandatory lawful interception, user monitoring, and data security protocols.
• No user traffic should be routed through foreign gateways or PoPs.
• All user data, DNS services, and control systems must be located in India.
• Mandatory lawful interception, user monitoring, and data security protocols.
• NavIC Compliance User terminals should support NavIC (India’s regional navigation system) on a best-effort basis. Full implementation deadline set for 2029.
• User terminals should support NavIC (India’s regional navigation system) on a best-effort basis.
• Full implementation deadline set for 2029.
• National Security Provisions Must enable service restrictions during hostilities or emergencies. Establish Special Monitoring Zones (within 50 km of borders and coastal EEZ). Report unregistered/foreign user terminals in real-time to law enforcement agencies.
• Must enable service restrictions during hostilities or emergencies.
• Establish Special Monitoring Zones (within 50 km of borders and coastal EEZ).
• Report unregistered/foreign user terminals in real-time to law enforcement agencies.
• Service-Specific Security Clearance Separate security clearance needed for voice and data services.
• Separate security clearance needed for voice and data services.