TRAI releases recommendations on ‘Licensing Framework and Regulatory Mechanism for Submarine Cable Landing in India’

Source: This post is based on the following articles 

– “India’s first mRNA vaccine against Omicron approved” published in The Hindu on 21st June 2023

– “TRAI releases recommendations on ‘Licensing Framework and Regulatory Mechanism for Submarine Cable Landing in India” published in PIB on 21st June 2023

What is the News?

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India(TRAI) has released its recommendations on the licensing framework and regulatory mechanism for setting up submarine (undersea) cable landing stations (CLS) in India.

What are the recommendations given by TRAI on setting up undersea cables?

Firstly, Indian telcos operating undersea cables should be required to submit proof that they own at least part of the undersea cables that are in Indian waters.

Secondly, a distinction must be drawn between a cable landing station and so-called ‘points of presence’ to which the station is further connected. Owners of the latter type of facility wouldn’t have to apply for several clearances but would need to comply with lawful interception requirements.

Thirdly, Dark Fibre should be permitted on existing cable landing stations. A dark fibre is an unused optical fibre, available for use in fibre-optic communication. Dark fibre may be leased from a network service provider.

Fourthly, carrying domestic traffic on undersea cables — such as from Mumbai to Chennai — should be explicitly permitted in terms of the licence.

Fifthly, undersea cables should be notified as critical information infrastructure, and thus benefit from protection by the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC).

Lastly, the government should add a section on Submarine cable and CLS in the Indian Telecommunication Bill, 2022 to promote, protect and prioritize ‘Cable Landing Station’ and ‘submarine cable’ in India.