Travellers may kindly note that use of any satellite phone without prior approval of Department of Telecommunications, Government of India, is not permitted. The use/operation of any telegraph services/devices including wireless in India is regulated by the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885. As per the existing guidelines issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, Inmarsat Satphones excluding BGAN system can be used by the Government, Corporate Houses, Members of the Mountaineering Expedition and other such categories with prior permission from DoT. Thuraya Satphone service is not permitted in India. Anyone using any telegraphic devices including Satphone without authorization violates Section 4 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and he/she can be penalized under Section 20 and 21 of the said Act.
In case satellite phones are brought to India in baggage/hand baggage, those satellite phones without licence from DoT would be detained/confiscated by the Customs authorities as per the existing procedures till the time the holder of the satellite phone is able to produce a licence issued by DoT. In case of import of cargo, a declaration is to be given by the person importing the goods about details of goods. |