The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released recommendations regarding the licensing framework and regulatory mechanism for submarine cable landing in India. These recommendations were issued in response to a reference letter from the Department of Telecom (DoT), which expressed concerns about international long-distance operators (ILDOs) in India who lack a stake in submarine cable consortiums but seek clearances on their behalf.
Submarine cables play a crucial role in connecting India with global internet services, and their demand has been steadily increasing. In addition to the concerns raised by the DoT, TRAI also identified other issues related to submarine cables. These include the requirement for Indian-flagged vessels for cable operation and maintenance, provisions for domestic submarine cables between coastal cities in India, the concept of stub-cables for upcoming new cables, and the need for clarity on terrestrial connectivity between different Cable Landing Stations.
After considering comments and inputs from stakeholders, holding discussions, and conducting analysis, TRAI has finalized its recommendations. It suggests that the government should grant critical infrastructure status to submarine cable landing stations and designate the repair service of cables as an essential service. TRAI also proposes the formation of a committee by the DoT to explore various financial viability models for India-flagged repair vessels, including potential incentives from the government, as there are currently no domestic entities capable of handling submarine cable repair work.
Additionally, TRAI has made recommendations to consider submarine cables and Cable Landing Stations (CLS) as critical assets. It suggests adding a section to the Indian Telecommunication Bill, 2022, that promotes, protects, and prioritizes the importance of CLS and submarine cables in India.
