The government has tightened norms for internet service providers (ISPs), mandating them to buy telecom equipment only from trusted sources. This development has come in the backdrop of the government recently amending telecom equipment procurement rules for operators.
As per industry analysts, this move will impact companies such as Gas Authority of India Limietd (Gail), Power Grid Corporation India Limited, RailTel, and Oil India Limited, which hold ISP licences.
Starting June 15, 2021, these companies and other ISPs will only be able to procure telecom equipment included in the government finalised list of trusted products. This list is yet to be prepared by the government-appointed authority.
The government has authorised the National Cyber Security Coordinator (NCSC) to prepare this list. As per Department of Telecommunications (DoT), NCSC will notify a list of trusted sources along with the equipment that do not threaten India’s national security. It may also name the vendors who will be barred from selling telecom gear.
