Satellite Phone Ban in India: Carrying satellite phones is banned in India, and now the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed all domestic and international airlines to inform passengers about this ban.
Airlines have been instructed to make announcements on all flights landing in India. They will also have to make passengers aware of the ban through their overseas commercial branches as well as their flight magazines. India has one of the most stringent restrictions in the world against unapproved telecommunications, a result of terrorist threats and a hostile neighborhood. Passengers are regularly warned not to bring satellite phones into India without written permission from the Department of Telecommunications. Let’s know in detail what changes have happened…
What has changed?
- Now all flights coming to India will have an announcement that carrying satellite phones is illegal.
- Airlines have also been asked to make passengers aware through their flight magazines and overseas branches.
- If a passenger brings a satellite phone without written permission from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), he may face legal action.
Why is there strictness on satellite phones in India?
- India has the world’s strictest restrictions on non-approved telecommunications. Terrorist threats and security reasons are said to be the main reasons behind this.
- The use of satellite phones in India is limited only to the government and the military.
- Bringing satellite phones without permission can lead to fines, confiscation and even arrest.
This ban has been made even stricter due to terrorist activities in many of India’s neighboring countries.
Satellite phone cases at airports
Recently, passengers were detained at two major airports in India for carrying satellite phones…
- An American citizen was arrested at Dehradun airport.
- Another foreign passenger was stopped at Chennai airport.
Both passengers were released after questioning, but their phones were confiscated.
British government warning
- The UK has issued a strict warning in its travel advisory regarding the use of satellite phones in India.
- British citizens have been warned that if they bring unlicensed satellite phones, they may be fined or arrested.
- Travelers from other countries also need to be aware of this restriction.
