Starlink has built its operations in India to meet the security and regulatory requirements, a senior SpaceX executive on Wednesday said, even as the Elon Musk-owned satellite internet company is yet to receive clearances to begin commercial services in the country.
The statement from Starlink comes as the commercial launch of satellite internet services in India is delayed due to security concerns.
Speaking at the 10th India Mobile Congress in Delhi, Starlink Business Operations VP Lauren Dreyer said the company has spent the past five years working closely with Indian regulators, industry and operators to understand how to adapt and prepare Starlink’s operations in India to serve its citizens. “We are ready to serve in India, once India is ready,” she said. “We’ve built our Starlink operations specifically for India in recognition of Indian security requirements and other regulations, establishing controls at every layer for India and keeping India user data within India,” Dreyer said, adding that ground infrastructure, including 20 gateway sites comprising hundreds of antennas, is already in place with operations ready to kickstart.
She said the figures were displayed due to a configuration glitch and that Starlink was still awaiting final government approvals before taking orders or officially launching its service in India.
During the Winter session of Parliament last year, minister of communications Jyotiraditya Scindia said satellite internet services will require security clearances from enforcement agencies. He said companies have been provided the sample spectrum to demonstrate compliance with security requirements, and will be cleared to launch services once these norms are met, including the requirement to host international gateways within India. “Hopefully the next time I address the (India Mobile) Congress, the (Indian) government’s good work will have been completed and Starlink will be authorised,” Dreyer said.
