Telecommunications department, is to impose stringent licence conditions on Internet service providers (ISPs) in India.
The new norms are aimed at curbing routing of international telephone calls by ISPs. Under the proposed norms, companies involved in illegal operations will not get permission to operate in new circles. At present, they have two years time for the rollout. ISPs can also surrender their licence after paying 5 per cent of the bank guarantee, varying from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 2 crore depending on the area of operation. However, Internet Service Providers' Association of India are of the view that the norms will prevent new companies from starting operations.