Starlink plans control center in India; Govt raises security concerns

Telecom giants Airtel and Reliance Jio agreed to a deal with billionaire Elon Musk’s SpaceX for the launch of Starlink in India, the Central government has now requested that the US satellite internet provider establish a control center in the country. As stated in a report by The Times of India, the control center will assist in maintain law and order by allowing for the suspension or shutdown of communication services in sensitive regions when necessary. 

According to sources in the report, it stated that when necessary, security establishments have specific mandates that permit law enforcement agencies to intercept calls via official channels.  

Emphasizing the significance of a control center, the report highlighted its necessity since abrupt shifts in the law and order situation anywhere in the nation may necessitate the suspension of communication services, including those offered via satellites. It is unreasonable to expect someone to knock on their doors or visit their headquarters in the US whenever an emergency occurs, the report citing source stated. 

Starlink has promised the government that it will investigate this issue. Under the telecom law, it is stated that during a public emergency, such as disaster management or public safety issues, both the central and state governments may temporarily possession of any telecom service or network from an authorized entity, the report noted.