Recently, the Ministry of Communications notified the Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024 introducing stringent security measures and increased accountability for telecom entities.
Cybersecurity
- It is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks.
- These cyberattacks are usually aimed at accessing, changing, or destroying sensitive information; extorting money from users through ransomware; or interrupting normal business processes.
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- 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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- 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- The Telegraph Wires (Unlawful Possession) Act, 1950 was repealed by the Repealing and Amending Act, 2023 to reflect regulatory adaptability.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.
November 23, 2024
