The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) notified the Telecommunications (Authorisation for Telecommunication Network) Rules, 2026, on July 20, replacing the previous licensing regime under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885. The new rules mandate that all telecommunication network systems and associated data, logs, and information must reside within India, prohibiting any routing, sharing, or availability of copies outside the country, according to medianama.com.
The rules introduce six authorisations covering the infrastructure layer of India’s telecom networks, with five applying nationally. Notably, Rule 25(3) requires all network data to stay within India without exceptions, including data hosted on cloud-based telecommunication network providers. Additionally, remote access to networks from outside India requires prior approval and the creation of a mirror system within the country. The rules also enforce adherence to Survey of India maps near international borders and require location details of all network systems upon DoT’s direction.
These regulations mark a significant shift in India’s telecom policy, emphasizing data sovereignty and security. By mandating local data residency and restricting cross-border data flow, the rules align with broader national security concerns and global trends toward data localization. The move impacts telecom operators, cloud providers, and related service providers, who must now comply with stringent data handling and infrastructure requirements. Mobile number portability remains governed by zonal bidding, reflecting continued sector-specific regulatory nuances.
The new Telecommunications (Authorisation for Telecommunication Network) Rules, 2026, took effect immediately upon notification on July 20, 2026, setting a firm legal framework for telecom network operations and data management within India, as detailed by medianama.com.