The Hindu Business Line : DoT tightens screws on value-added services loop

New Delhi, May 16 In a bid to avoid a BlackBerry-like controversy again, the Department of Telecom has tightened screws on telecom operators by asking them to furnish details about all value-added services 15 days prior to launching it.

According to the cellular licence agreement, operators are required to put in place monitoring systems for all data and voice services that they offer to enable security agencies to track any user.

However, DoT has pointed out to operators that some of the telecom service providers were not meeting the legitimate monitoring requirement of the security agencies, which had serious implications on national security.

DoT’s order is a fallout of the BlackBerry issue wherein it was found out that the security agencies were not able to break into the system due to high encryption codes.

BlackBerry effect

While operators, including Bharti Airtel and Reliance Communication, have been offering BlackBerry services for more than 4 years, it was only when Tata Teleservices approached DoT for permission that the service was found to be non compliant with security norms.

This also assumes significance in the light of the recent bomb blasts in Jaipur, highlighting the need for tighter monitoring of communication networks.

DoT has said that operators should inform the Government about the launch of any new service in their network 15 days in advance, failing which it will be treated as breach of terms and conditions of licence agreement and appropriate action will be initiated.

Operators said that though they were putting in place all monitoring systems as per the requirement of the security agencies, DoT’s order could delay rollout of value added services.

They also said that operators could lose their competitive edge by giving out information to DoT prior to the launch.

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