The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has suggested establishing a Centre for Communication Security Research and Monitoring to permit law enforcement agencies to intercept calls and monitor internet activity.
As per a DoT report, Rs 8 billion will be invested in setting up a centralised monitoring system (CMS) for intercepting all types of communications. Also, a telecom testing and security certification centre, requiring an investment Rs 1 billion would be established to test telecom equipment.
This report has been prepared by the working group on the telecom sector for the 12th Five-Year Plan (2012-17).
The report states, ?For assisting the law enforcement agencies under the 11th Five-Year Plan, a CMS was envisioned. A proposal for establishing a centre for communication security research and monitoring has already been approved by the Cabinet Committee on security. This will require Rs 4.50 billion as funding from the government. The CMS will be rolled out in 2011-12.?
The report also points out that a facility for centralised monitoring will be created throughout the country across different telecom and broadband technologies and services. The facility will require Rs 3.50 billion as funding. The system would be further upscaled to cater to an expanded network by creating more facilities at an estimated cost of Rs 1.50 billion.
Meanwhile, Rs 3 billion will be kept aside for operation and maintenance of the infrastructure.
