A US national was arrested at Srinagar airport in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday after authorities found a satellite phone in his possession. Another person travelling with him was also detained for questioning but was later released.
The incident has once again raised an important question: why are satellite phones so strictly regulated in India?
Are satellite phones allowed in India?
Satellite phones are not completely illegal in India, but their use is heavily restricted. Under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, operating a satellite phone without prior permission or a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is not permitted.
Even with approval, only satellite services provided through BSNL (Inmarsat) are generally allowed. Devices operating on other networks, such as Thuraya and Iridium, are strictly prohibited.
Foreign nationals are required to declare any satellite phone at customs upon arrival. Failure to do so can result in penalties, including fines, confiscation of the device, or even arrest. Countries like the United States and the United Kingdom have also issued advisories warning travellers about these restrictions.
“The Department of State urgently advises US citizens not to bring satellite phones or GPS devices when travelling to or through India. This does not include regular cell phones. Failure to comply can result in immediate arrest, large fines, the confiscation of the device, deportation, and significant travel delays,” the US State Department said in a 2025 notice.
Why are satellite phones restricted?
India enforces strict controls on satellite phones primarily due to national security concerns. Unlike regular mobile networks, these devices operate independently of local telecom infrastructure, making them difficult for law enforcement and intelligence agencies to track or intercept.
In sensitive regions such as Jammu and Kashmir, authorities maintain a zero-tolerance approach to prevent misuse by militants or anti-national elements who could exploit unmonitored communication channels.
Rules governing satellite phones were further tightened after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, when terrorists used Thuraya satellite phones to communicate with handlers in Pakistan, making it harder for Indian agencies to intercept their coordination in real time.