Starlink Usage by Militants in Manipur

Billionaire Elon Musk has recently denied claims that his space company SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet technology is being used by militants in Manipur, following the discovery of Starlink devices seized by the Indian Army and police.

What is Starlink?

• Starlink is a satellite internet system launched by SpaceX.
• It uses a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband internet to users, especially in remote or underserved areas.
• The system is designed to allow activities such as streaming, video calls, gaming, and other data-heavy services.
• How it works: Starlink satellites orbit at around 550 km above the Earth and provide global coverage, but the company restricts service in certain countries and regions, where it does not have regulatory approval.
• Geographical restrictions: If Starlink is not authorized in a specific country, the satellites will block communication with devices within those regions.

Can Militants Use Starlink in India?

The primary question is whether militants in Manipur can effectively use Starlink in India, given that the service is not officially authorized there. Several factors affect this:

• Starlink's Geographical Restrictions: Starlink devices are programmed to not function in areas where the service is not allowed, based on geographic location data from the terminal.
• Possibility of Using Foreign Devices: If a Starlink terminal is bought abroad, for example from a country where the service is authorized, it could potentially be used in India.
  • However, the device has a built-in geographic location identifier, which could prevent it from operating in restricted regions if the system detects it’s in an unauthorized country.
• Use of VPNs: Starlink supports the use of VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) to access the internet, which could potentially allow users to bypass regional restrictions. However, using a VPN can impact performance and might not guarantee seamless access.
• Enabling Service Despite Restrictions: The possibility that Starlink devices can be bought outside India and used within the country raises concerns about the control over satellite signals. Musk himself has claimed that Starlink deactivates devices used by unauthorized parties after an investigation.

Regulatory and Legal Concerns:

India has strict regulations around satellite-based communication systems. For instance:

• Under the Indian Wireless Act and Indian Telegraph Act, the use of satellite phones and services like Starlink without proper authorization is illegal.
• Devices like Iridium satellite phones have been seized in India when used illegally, particularly in conflict zones such as Kashmir.

The Indian government is also wary about the potential misuse of Starlink by non-state actors or militants, especially in sensitive regions like Manipur.