Trai discusses on licensing framework for submarine cable landing

Telecom regulator Trai has initiated a discussion on licensing framework and regulatory mechanism for submarine cable landing in India.

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) said the department of telecommunications approached it sharing its concern over some Indian International Long Distance Operators (ILDOs) for not having any stake in submarine cable system, yet seeking clearance on behalf of the owners of submarine cable for laying or maintaining such cables in Indian territorial water or exclusive economics zones and also for applying to set up of Cable Landing Station (CLS) for such submarine cables.

Submarine cables are "vital communication infrastructure" of the digital age and "critical" to the today's fast-paced data driven economy, Trai said floating the consultation paper titled 'Licensing Framework and Regulatory Mechanism for Submarine Cable Landing in India'.

"DoT has sought recommendations of Trai on licensing framework and regulatory mechanism for submarine