Illegality of use/carrying "Thuraya" Satellite phones in India
1. The use/operation of any Telegraph services/devices including wireless is regulated by the Indian Telegraph Act 1885. As per the existing guidelines issued by Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Inmarsat Satphones can be used by the Government, Corporate Houses, Members of the Mountaineering Expedition and other such categories with prior permission from DoT.
2. Thuraya Satellite phone service is not permitted in India.Any unauthorized use of any telegraphic devices including Satphone violates Section 4 of Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and he/she can be penalized U/S 20 & 21 of the said Act.
3. Therefore, Ministry of Home Affairs of India has decided thatIn case of satellite phones being brought in baggage/hand baggage, instructions will be issued to the custom authorities at different entry points, by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), so that satellite phones without license by the DoT would be detained/confiscated, as per the existing procedures till the time the holder of the satellite phone is able to produce a license issued by the DoT.
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