The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has reportedly directed all internet service providers (ISPs) to comply with the license’s security conditions, especially those relating to foreign personnel or risk termination of their license.
The advisory follows observations that certain entities were not following the security requirements. The department did not name the non-compliant firms.
The unified license includes detailed security clauses. Under Clause 39.3, any foreign personnel the licensee plans to deploy for installation, operation, or maintenance must obtain security clearance from the government of India before deployment. This clearance will be issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Additionally, another clause requires that a majority of the company’s board directors must be Indian citizens.
The DoT has instructed all licensees with internet service authorisation to ensure full compliance with these security conditions.
