FYI Satellite Phones in India

Here's an interesting story about a guy trying to make a difference in the world only to be stopped by some really strange ruling.

'JAIPUR: Andy Pag set out from London three and a half months back to spread awareness about climate change. His mission was to drive around the world in an old, refitted Mercedes bus that ran on biofuel. He travelled through Europe, then Iran, Pakistan and finally entered India through Wagah border. But late on Sunday night, he was picked up by the cops in Pushkar and finally arrested on Monday. And all because he was carrying a satellite phone.

The 34-year-old green traveller, in Pushkar since January 7 after travelling through Jaipur, has been held under section 70 of the Information Technology Act, section 4/20 of the Telegraph Act and section 3/6 of the Wireless Act, all of which carry custodial sentences.

“Carrying a satellite phone in India without the required permission is banned and he was found with one so we have booked him under the Telegraph Act, IT Act and Wireless Act. He will be produced in court on Tuesday,’’ said Hari Prasad, Ajmer’s SP. Conviction under the above sections means a minimum jail term of two years."'
Read the whole article here.

So, lesson to be learned is that, if you going to India with a satphone then please make sure you have the correct license.