New telecom rules in India hoping to ensure secure networks

Monday, August 02, 2010

Recently, new rules have been passed in India that look to ensure secure networks from providers. Failing to meet such requirements can now cost service operators up to 500 million rupees - $10.7 million.

The new regulations were handed down by the Department of Telecommunications last week and hope to solve any fears among citizens regarding adopting new telecom services.

The Department of Telecommunications now requires service providers to conduct security audits on each deployment of routers, switches, VoIP installations and various other networking equipment. The department deemed providers are completely and totally responsible for security of their networks.

With many foreign vendors managing the larger Indian mobile networks, the new rules hope to bring these operations back home, insisting that, within two years, all operation and maintenance will be conducted by Indian nationals.

The new rules handed down by the Department of Telecommunications have gone into effect already. All operators must provide the government department with an outline of their security plans within 30 working days as well.