Are militants in Manipur using Starlink satellite internet? | Explained Premium

Can militants in Manipur really use Starlink satellite internet illegally? The Hindu explains the issue.

The story so far: Billionaire Elon Musk has denied claims that his space company SpaceX’s satellite internet technology Starlink is being used by militants in Manipur. This came after the Indian Army and police seized weapons and what looked like a Starlink-branded satellite router and antenna. Starlink is still pending regulatory approval in India, though it will be starting in neighbouring Bangladesh and Bhutan in 2025.

However, the discovery of the Starlink devices in Manipur raises questions about whether or not militants and other non-state actors can bypass geographic restrictions on the Starlink technology.

Starlink uses an extensive low Earth orbit satellite constellation to deliver broadband internet that has high speeds and low latency. This means that rather than restricting users to essential or emergency functions, they can also stream content, play games online, make video calls, or carry out other high data rate activities, per the company. It is a popular choice for users worldwide in remote areas, sea vessels, disaster-struck regions, or places where oppressive regimes have throttled access to more mainstream internet services.

There are thousands of satellites in the Starlink system, and they orbit Earth at around 550 km. Though they cover the entire globe, per SpaceX, the company is not authorised to provide its services to users in some regions.

“Additionally, if a vessel strays into the waters of a country which prohibits Starlink from operating within it, our satellites will be unable to communicate with it effectively,” said Starlink on its website.

The Spear Corps of the Indian army on December 16 shared photos on Elon Musk-owned X of guns, ammunition, and country-made mortars that Indian army and police units had seized in Manipur.

X users spotted a small satellite device and router, with the latter bearing the SpaceX logo. In response to an X user who claimed that Musk’s technology was being used by terrorists, the billionaire replied, “This is false. Starlink satellite beams are turned off over India.” The Starlink device also had “RPF/PLA” written on it, which refers to a Myanmar-based Meitei extremist group that is banned in India. Per Starlink’s website and coverage map, the service date for Myanmar is unknown.