Govt Mandates Legal Interception of Satellite Communication Services to Enhance Security

The Department of Telecom has introduced strict security guidelines for satellite communication services. These rules require legal interception and prohibit linking user connections to terminals or facilities outside India. Additionally, processing user data overseas is not allowed. The regulations also demand that service providers localise at least 20% of their ground segment within a few years of starting operations in the country.

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These measures are crucial as the government plans to make satellite communication services available to the public. This move aims to prevent misuse by criminal elements, including terrorists. Key players like Starlink, OneWeb, and Jio Satellite Communications are competing to offer these services in India.

Security and Monitoring Requirements

According to the new guidelines, satcom service license holders must obtain security clearances for specific gateway and hub locations in India. They must also comply with monitoring and interception equipment requirements. The Monitoring and Lawful Interception must align with licensing conditions at various facilities, such as gateways or network control centres.

The guidelines specify that the Lawful Interception System (LIS) should integrate with centralised monitoring systems like CMS or IMS. Satcom firms must demonstrate their system's security capabilities, including monitoring, to the Department of Telecom or its authorised representatives before launching operations in India.

Geographical Restrictions and Data Handling

Service providers must ensure that user terminals or satellite phones' locations are not visible or accessible abroad. Similar to telecom operators, satcom companies must block websites restricted in India. They must also ensure that no user terminal can access the network from outside the geo-fenced coverage area or through gateways located outside India.

Satcom providers are required to submit an undertaking confirming they will not copy or decrypt Indian telecom data outside the country. Real-time monitoring is essential to ensure no user traffic originating from or destined for India is routed through any gateway outside Indian territory.

Operational Guidelines for Satcom Providers

The rules state that devices registered in India cannot connect to gateways outside Indian territory. The government has already issued licences to Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio Satellite Communications, while Starlink awaits final approval. Satcom players can commence services once radio wave frequencies are allocated.

The regulations also mandate special monitoring zones within 50 kilometres of international borders and coastal areas for law enforcement agencies like intelligence bureaus and armed forces to monitor user activities effectively.

The government is expected to approve these rules based on recommendations from the telecom regulator Trai. These comprehensive measures aim to safeguard national security while facilitating the expansion of satellite communication services across India.

With inputs from PTI