Lt. Gen. Dr. S.P. Kochhar
August 2025 has been a defining month for India's telecommunications sector as COAI continued its advocacy for critical policy reforms while addressing emerging challenges that underscore the urgent need for regulatory harmonization. COAI’s consistent focus on creating a fair, secure and sustainable digital ecosystem has gained significant momentum, particularly in light of escalating cybersecurity threats and infrastructure challenges.
COAI highlighted two critical policy imperatives in August. First, COAI reiterated its firm position on persistent SIM-binding for OTT communication apps, a crucial security measure that demands immediate regulatory attention. We advocated that all OTT communication platforms should maintain continuous binding with verified mobile SIMs throughout their operational lifecycle. The current practice allows these applications to function independently once the original SIM card is removed, creating significant security vulnerabilities and enabling untraceable criminal activities. This regulatory gap compromises national security and facilitates cyber frauds, making it imperative to establish persistent authentication mechanisms that ensure traceability and accountability.
COAI also strongly opposed direct spectrum allocation to enterprises, emphasizing that such networks should be deployed exclusively through licensed telecom service providers via spectrum leasing or network slicing. COAI highlighted that direct allocation could undermine national security, reduce government revenues and create an uneven competitive landscape.
Certain challenges were also faced by COAI. The Hyderabad cable cuts crisis presented a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities facing India's digital infrastructure. Despite clear directives from the Telangana High Court prohibiting unauthorized cutting of optical fiber cables, TGSPDCL workers continued these illegal activities, causing widespread internet disruptions across areas. COAI emphasized that telecom connectivity is not merely a service but a fundamental right in today's digital economy. The indiscriminate cutting of optical fiber cables, which carry no electricity and pose no safety risks, demonstrated a concerning lack of coordination between utility providers and highlighted the need for comprehensive infrastructure protection protocols.
COAI also hosted its ‘COAI Dialogues 2025’ event, which brought together industry leaders, the regulator and policymakers to address the critical challenge of building digital trust. The discussions revealed that protecting digital trust cannot be an afterthought but must be a collaborative mission involving all ecosystem participants. However, COAI emphasized that addressing digital fraud requires a whole-of-industry approach rather than placing disproportionate compliance burdens solely on network operators.
Looking ahead, COAI remains committed to working collaboratively with policymakers to establish a robust regulatory environment that protects national interests while fostering innovation. COAI would strive to ensure that India's digital transformation journey is built on secure, sustainable and equitable foundations that serve all stakeholders effectively. These lessons will undoubtedly shape our continued advocacy for a stronger, safer and more sustainable telecommunications sector that truly embodies the vision of Digital India.