The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recently put forth its recommendations on the ‘Licensing Framework and Regulatory Mechanism for Submarine Cable Landing in India.’ These recommendations address concerns raised by the Department of Telecom (DoT) regarding the clearance process for laying and maintaining submarine cables in the country. The TRAI’s proposals aim to streamline the licensing framework and enhance the regulatory mechanisms surrounding submarine cable landing in India, ultimately bolstering the nation’s digital communication infrastructure.
Recognizing the Importance of Submarine Cables:
In today’s global economy, submarine cables play a vital role in enabling seamless digital communication. They serve as the backbone of a nation’s communication network, facilitating the efficient transmission of data and supporting various business and economic activities. These subsea cables, spanning thousands of kilometers, are laid on the ocean floor to digitally connect countries. Cable landing stations (CLS) act as the points of connection, where these cables make landfall and link to terrestrial telecom networks.
Addressing Concerns and Streamlining Processes:
TRAI’s recommendations are a response to the concerns raised by the Department of Telecom regarding the clearance process for submarine cables. In an effort to address these concerns and streamline the process, the regulator has proposed amending the ILD/ISP-A (international long distance/internet service provider Category A) permits. These amendments include the introduction of two categories of CLS locations: the main facility and the fiber distribution point. By categorizing the locations, the management and operation of submarine cables can be more efficiently handled.
Mandating Approvals for Cable Landing:
To ensure effective oversight and accountability, TRAI has suggested that the owner of the main CLS facility should be mandated to seek all necessary approvals for the landing of international submarine cables in India. This recommendation aims to streamline the approval process and consolidate responsibility for compliance. By centralizing the approval-seeking process, potential delays and inefficiencies can be minimized, facilitating smoother operations for submarine cable landing.
Enhancing Maintenance and Repair Capabilities:
One significant recommendation put forward by TRAI is the encouragement of Indian entity-owned vessels for undersea cable maintenance. Currently, India relies heavily on foreign providers for repairing subsea cables along its coastline. By promoting the use of Indian-owned vessels, TRAI aims to address maintenance delays promptly and reduce dependence on external parties. This initiative will strengthen India’s ability to swiftly resolve any cable disruptions, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for businesses and individuals.
Fostering the Development of ‘Cable Depots’:
TRAI’s recommendations also focus on facilitating and incentivizing Indian entities to establish ‘Cable Depots.’ These depots would serve as strategic locations for storing and maintaining essential equipment and resources required for the efficient functioning of submarine cable systems. By promoting the establishment of these depots, TRAI aims to enhance the overall reliability and resilience of submarine cable networks within the country. This step will contribute to the further development of India’s submarine cable ecosystem, fostering self-reliance and creating new opportunities for domestic players in the industry.
Strengthening India’s Digital Infrastructure:
- The recommendations put forth by TRAI demonstrate a proactive approach to enhancing India’s digital infrastructure. By streamlining the licensing framework and regulatory mechanism, the country can attract more investments in submarine cable infrastructure. This, in turn, will strengthen India’s position as a global hub for data connectivity and contribute to the country’s digital transformation.
- Furthermore, the focus on Indian entity-owned vessels for cable maintenance and the establishment of Cable Depots reflects a commitment to reducing dependence on foreign providers and improving self-reliance in the management of submarine cable systems. These initiatives will not only enhance the resilience of India’s digital infrastructure but also create new opportunities for domestic players in the submarine cable industry.