Recently, the Ministry of Communications notified the Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024 introducing stringent security measures and increased accountability for telecom entities.

Key Provisions under Telecom Cybersecurity Rules

• Key Measures:
  • Specifies timelines for telecom companies to report security incidents & make disclosures.
  • Empowers the central government or its authorised agency to seek traffic data (excluding message content) from telecom entities for cybersecurity purposes.
• Obligations for Telecom Entities:
  • Must appoint a Chief Telecommunication Security Officer.
  • Required to report security incidents within six hours of discovery, along with relevant details of the incident.
• Incident Reporting: Within 24 hours, telecom entities must provide detailed information, including:
  • Number of users affected.
  • Duration and geographical area impacted.
  • Network or service functionality impact.
  • Remedial actions taken or planned.
• IMEI Registration Rule:
  • Manufacturers of equipment with International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers must register the number of such equipment with the government before their first sale in India.

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Indian Telecom Sector & Associated Laws 

• Sub-sectors of The Telecommunications industry:  Infrastructure, Equipment, Mobile Virtual Network Operators, White Space Spectrum, 5G, Telephone service providers, & Broadband.
• India’s Telecom industry is the second largest in the world with a subscriber base of 1.19 Bn (Sept 2024) 
• Primary Laws:
  • The Indian Telegraph Act, 1885:  In 2003, the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) was set  by amending the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885. 
  • The Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933.
  • The Telegraph Wires (Unlawful Possession) Act, 1950 was repealed by the Repealing and Amending Act, 2023 to reflect regulatory adaptability.
• Regulatory Authorities: The TRAI Act, 1997 established Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) for tariff regulation and created the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT).
• Licensing Authority: Central Government.
• Government Initiatives in Telecom Sector:
  • Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI), 2020: It aims  to create public Wi-Fi hotspots, especially in rural and remote areas.
  • Bharatnet Project, 2011: It aims to provide broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats in India.
  • Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, 2021: It aims to boost domestic manufacturing
  • Bharat 6G Alliance, 2023: It aims to position India as a global leader in 6G technology R&D.

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