Broadband India Forum (BIF) advocated for the requirement of competition, innovation, and investment in the domain of submarine cable landing stations. BIF proposed a new framework with emphasis on the need of a new regulatory environment which delinks the deployment and ownership of the submarine cable networks from the submarine cable landing infrastructure. BIF’s President, Mr. T.V. Ramachandran stated that submarine cable and cable landing stations are critical elements to improve the digital communications infrastructure ecosystem, boost digitalisation and accomplish the dream of creation of a digital economy.

March 07, 2023

Broadband India Forum (BIF) recently emphasized on the need to promote competition, innovation, and investment in the domain of submarine cable landing stations, as they advocated for non-discriminatory and open access to all potential seekers of international connectivity. According to a statement by BIF, the think tank focused on the requirement of creating robust submarine cable systems connected to India as well as geo-diversity and augmentation of submarine cable landing infrastructure. BIF’s newly proposed framework speaks of the necessity of a new regulatory environment which delinks the deployment and ownership of the submarine cable networks from the submarine cable landing infrastructure through open access under a light-touch regulation.

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According to BIF’s President Mr. T.V. Ramachandran, an enabling regulation will facilitate the promotion of competition, encourage innovation in the segment and fulfill the data demand of every citizen. “BIF in its response to the regulator has also suggested to open CLS facilities for new entrants and implement a regulatory framework with two broad categories of players,” it said explaining that one could be for those who will build and deploy submarine cable systems and CLSs, and another for those who would use the infrastructure to provide the public services. The think tank has further requested for a review of the current regime in order to improve ease of doing business.

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Mr. Ramachandran described submarine cable and cable landing stations as critical elements to improve the digital communications infrastructure ecosystem, boost digitalisation and accomplish the dream of creation of a digital economy. “It’s quintessential to create a conducive environment for the growth of submarine cable and cable landing stations to support requisite infrastructure development to push digital India mission,” Ramachandran said.