Satellite Communication Devices Regulations in India: What you need to Know

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When planning a trip to India for ski touring, splitboarding or hiking in remote areas, it’s crucial to understand the country’s strict regulations regarding satellite communication and radio devices. 

Devices like satellite messengers (e.g., Garmin inReach) and satellite phones, which transmit data or messages to satellites, are illegal in India without proper authorization. 

Key Points:

  1. Illegal to Transmit: Any device capable of transmitting data to satellites, including messengers and sat phones, is prohibited without explicit permission.
  2. Receiving-Only Devices are Permitted: Devices that solely receive satellite signals, such as GPS units or mobile phones using location services, are generally allowed.

Instances of Enforcement

Visitors to India have faced legal consequences for carrying unauthorized satellite communication devices:

  1. Recently a Scottish hiker was detained at Delhi Airport after customs officials discovered a Garmin inReach device in her luggage. The device was confiscated, and she was questioned for hours under suspicion of violating communication laws.
  2. Earlier in 2024 a Georgian ski touring group was also briefly detained for carrying a sat device, when they were flying back out from Delhi.
  3. There have also been reports of people being detained for carrying cyclocomputers, such as the Garmin Edge 540 and other similar devices, which authorities suspect of possessing satellite communication capabilities.

These cases highlight the importance of caution and thorough research before bringing any communication or navigation device into India.


Radio Communication: VHF Band Regulations

The use of Very High Frequency (VHF) radios is another area heavily regulated in India. 

License Requirement: Operating a VHF radio requires a license issued by the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing of the Ministry of Communications.


Additional Resources

For more details on Indian communication laws and regulations, you can refer to:

• Department of Telecommunications (DoT)

• Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing


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