India‘s Telecom Giants Raise Concerns Over Pandemic SHUTDOWNS
India’s leading telecommunications industry body, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), has urged the Indian government to rethink its strategy regarding internet shutdowns, contending such measures severely impact vital online services.
In a letter addressed to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on December 3, COAI, representing major telecom companies like Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea (Vi), and Reliance Jio, highlighted the detrimental consequences of repeated internet shutdowns. The association emphasized that since April 2024, these shutdowns, often implemented to address law and order concerns, have amounted to a staggering 3711 hours without internet access.
COAI’s concerns deepened following the Manipur government’s decision to extend the recent internet shutdown in the state. While taxes the need for shutdowns in volatile situations, the telecom group emphasized that the lengthy duration of the shutdown in Manipur — 23 days — raised serious concerns. Their argument is further amplified by the fact that current internet shutdown regulations stipulate a 15-day limit. ‘
COAI’s Long-Standing Opposition to Internet Shutdowns
This isn’t the first time COAI has raised alarm bells about internet shutdowns. During the previous year’s consultation conducted by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), COAI expressed its reservations about the government’s inclination towards shutting down internet access entirely.
COAI argued that achieving targeted censorship would be extremely challenging, citing limitations in accessing vital information, including domain names and IP addresses required for blocking specific platforms.
Telecom companies also pointed out the growing use of dynamic IP addresses and VPNs, making selective filtering an impractical approach.
The industry group stressed that 90% of services today are intricately linked to the internet. The abrupt loss of internet connectivity has a far-reaching impact, not just coupled with financial repercussions but also affecting individual well-being.
Recognizing the complexities, COAI proposed an alternative approach: engaging with messaging services and internet hosting providers to implement targeted app blocking rather than resorting to complete internet blackouts.
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** COAI’s alternatives to blanket shutdowns**
* The body suggests that the TRaI and government explore alternative technical measures to selectively block specific platforms or apps instead of shutting down the internet entirely.
* They suggest engaging with providers of online services for targeted blocking, bypassing the need for wider internet disruptions.
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what are the economic impacts of frequent and prolonged internet shutdowns according to the telecommunications industry?
**Interviewer:** Joining us today is Alex Reed, a leading voice in the telecommunications industry. Alex Reed, COAI, representing major telecom operators, recently expressed strong concerns about the rising number of internet shutdowns in india. Can you shed some light on the industry’s perspective on this issue?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely.The COAI believes that while we understand the government’s need to maintain law and order, the frequent and prolonged internet shutdowns are causing meaningful damage to our digital economy and the lives of ordinary citizens. Think about it: 3711 hours – that’s over 150 days without internet access as April. These disruptions cripple businesses, disrupt essential services, and isolate communities.
**Interviewer:** The Manipur shutdown, which exceeded the mandated 15-day limit, seems to be a notably sore point.
**Alex Reed:** Definitely. It highlights the urgent need for a more nuanced approach. we recognize the challenges the government faces, but simply shutting down the entire internet is a blunt instrument. It’s like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.
**Interviewer:** What alternatives are you proposing?
**Alex Reed:** We’ve been advocating for targeted app blocking, working with messaging services and hosting providers to address specific concerns without plunging entire regions into digital darkness. We believe this is a more balanced and effective solution that respects both security needs and the right to access information.
**Interviewer:**
Some might argue that these shutdowns are necessary to prevent the spread of misinformation or incitements to violence. How do you respond to that?
