Elon Musk has confirmed that Starlink satellite signals are turned off over India, reiterating that the service is not officially available in the country.

Despite this official stance, Starlink devices are reportedly in widespread use in Myanmar, particularly in rebel-held areas, highlighting a significant gap between availability and reality.

Starlink attributes this unauthorized availability to 'spillover' bandwidth from nearby regions, a claim that many experts consider overly simplistic.

Concerns are growing over the security implications of Starlink's devices being available on the black market, particularly in conflict zones.

The service has faced scrutiny for unauthorized usage in various regions, including Russia and Africa, where terminals have been spotted in conflict zones.

On December 16, 2024, the Indian Army's Spear Corps seized a Starlink kit during an operation in Manipur, raising alarms about the device's presence in India.

This seizure is part of a broader pattern; earlier in December, another Starlink kit was confiscated from a boat linked to illegal drug trafficking from Myanmar.

The US Federal Communications Commission has indicated that Starlink possesses the capability to geofence areas, suggesting it can control access more effectively than it publicly claims.

In India, some foreign sellers are offering Starlink terminals for around Rs 49,000, indicating potential avenues for unauthorized access.

In contrast, Starlink offers various plans in Malaysia, with the base model priced at MYR 1,700 (approximately Rs 32,190), along with ongoing monthly fees for residential or unlimited plans.

Notably, the Starlink devices were discovered with members of the People’s Liberation Army of Manipur, a group advocating for a separate nation and operating from Myanmar.

This situation underscores the ongoing challenges Starlink faces regarding unauthorized usage and the implications for regional security.