New Delhi, India, The Department of Telecommunications has introduced a new regulatory framework requiring authorised communication-infrastructure providers to store their telecom-network systems, data, logs and associated information within India.
The Telecommunications (Authorisation for Telecommunication Network) Rules, 2026, notified through G.S.R. 644(E), establish conditions for granting, renewing, transferring, surrendering and revoking authorisations for entities that establish, operate, maintain or expand telecommunications networks. The rules were notified on July 20 and came into force on July 22, 2026.
Under the security conditions, every newly authorised entity must ensure that its telecommunication-network systems and all related data, logs and information remain stored in India.
“Every new authorised entity shall ensure that all systems of its telecommunication network and the data, logs and information associated with its telecommunication network shall be stored within India and no copies of such data, logs and information shall be routed, shared or made available outside India,” the notification states.
The framework applies to several categories of network operators, including infrastructure providers, digital-connectivity infrastructure providers, internet exchange-point providers, satellite earth-station gateway providers, cloud-hosted telecommunication-network providers and national-level mobile-number portability providers.
It also introduces a separate authorisation category for Cloud-Hosted Telecommunication Network Providers. Entities registered under this category can provide cloud-hosted telecom-network infrastructure to eligible telecom service providers, subject to the prescribed operational and security conditions. The provision formally incorporates cloud-based network infrastructure into India’s telecom-authorisation system.
For compliance monitoring, the central government may inspect locations where telecommunications equipment and networks are installed, including equipment situated within users’ premises. It may also appoint a designated agency to audit the processes and systems established by an authorised entity. Immediate inspection may be undertaken without notice when the government considers it necessary in the public interest.
The rules form part of India’s transition from the earlier licensing structure to an authorisation-based regulatory framework under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. The Department of Telecommunications has designated its Telecom eServices Portal for the digital implementation of the framework. The new regime is expected to influence telecom cloud services, satellite gateways, internet exchanges, network security and demand for domestic data-centre infrastructure.
