New Delhi: State-run telecom company BSNL recently launched a new satellite phone priced at approximately ₹1.34 lakh. This move has once again brought the use of satellite phones in India—and the associated regulations—into the spotlight. While satellite phones are not entirely banned in the country, purchasing and using them requires strict adherence to government regulations. BSNL had launched its Global Satellite Phone Service (GSPS) for the general public in January 2018.
Unauthorized use can lead to serious consequences
In India, the use of satellite phones is regulated under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, and the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933. Anyone wishing to possess or use a satellite phone must first obtain a license or a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). Consequently, if an individual brings a satellite phone into India or uses one without permission, the device may be confiscated. Furthermore, the individual could face legal action, including fines and arrest. These regulations apply not only to Indian citizens but also to foreign travelers.
Which satellite services are permitted in India?
Currently, Inmarsat network-based satellite services provided through BSNL are approved in India, subject to specific conditions. Conversely, networks such as Thuraya, Iridium, and certain other foreign satellite networks are not authorized in India. Satellite phones operating on such networks cannot be used without government approval.
Why are the regulations for satellite phones so strict?
National security is the primary reason for the strict regulations surrounding satellite phones in India. Unlike standard mobile phones that connect to towers, satellite phones connect directly to satellites, making them difficult to monitor compared to traditional telecom networks. The government tightened these regulations following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, during which terrorists used Thuraya satellite phones.
