DoT directs ISPs to appoint Nodal Officer for compliance with Trusted Sources amendment

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) earlier this week directed Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to comply to amendments issued for procurement of telecommunications equipment from Trusted Sources. The direction came shortly after DoT issued a similar notice to telecom service providers to comply in a similar manner.

ISP licensees have to appoint a Nodal Officer for the portal being developed by Designated Authority i.e National Cyber Security Coordinator. The amendment to procurement guidelines issued by DoT in March 2021 come into effect from 15th June 2021.

ISP licensees have to provide any information as and when sought by the Designated Authority (DA). ISPs can only connect Trusted Products in its exisiting network while seeking permission from DA foe upgrading the existing network utilizing the telecommunication equipment not designated as Trusted Products.

“To enable adherence of the above, a portal is being developed by DA and the details of its access will be shared separately. TSPs would need to share information about their Company, the products they intend to connect to their network Product OEM and related details in the portal for evaluation as Trusted Product 3. To facilitate the same TSPs need to designate a Nodal Officer who will be provided access to the portal and aiso be providing inputs to the DA both offline and online The Nodal Officer, so designated needs to be appropriately authorised by the TSP. The authorisation letter is to be signed by a Signatory who has been empowered by a resolution passed by the board of directors,” said DoT in a circular.