However, these directions will not affect the ongoing annual maintenance contracts (AMCs)
The Department of Telecom (DoT) has issued new guidelines under which telecom companies offering satellite connectivity services through gateway set-up in the country will be required to install network equipment as recommended by the government.
In a recently issued amendment circular, the department informed that with the new norms in place, the authority shall be with the National Cyber Security Coordinator (NCSC) to impose conditions for the procurement of telecom equipment on the grounds of “Defence of India” or matters directly related to national security.
Under the new rules, which will take effect from June 15, the amendment, notified, “The licensee shall only connect trusted products in its network and also seek permission from designated authority for upgradation of existing network utilizing the telecom equipment not as trusted products.”
“Designated authority shall notify the categories of equipment for which the security related to trusted sources are applicable. For the said categories of equipment, designated authority shall notify the trusted sources along with the associated telecommunication equipment (trusted products).”
“However, these directions will not affect the ongoing annual maintenance contracts (AMCs) or updates to existing equipment already induced in the network as on date of effect,” added the circular.
