DoT gives MTNL 6 month extension to implement BB interception system

The  Department of Telecommunications has granted a six month-extension to MTNL for installing a system that will enable lawful real-time interception of BlackBerry services, as required by security agencies, reports confirm.

The state-run telco had approached DoT in mid-April seeking an extension to the deadline by six months, to which the latter agreed. "It is requested to kindly extend the date of technical solution for monitoring of Blackberry services in its Delhi and Mumbai networks by six months so that the services can be continued to the important dignitaries of government of India," MTNL CMD AK Garg wrote to DoT, as per sources.

Extension to implement system to intercept BB services

Interestingly, Garg also said that other PSU telco BSNL was also facing a similar problem, and that it would probably seek an extension too. This isn't confirmed, though.

Reportedly, MTNL had roughly 3,773 customers using BlackBerry services at the end of last year - including, Ministers, Members of Parliament and senior government officials.

More from News Analysis

As for the private telcos, it is believed that they have installed the BB monitoring solution by December 31, 2012, after BlackBerry made a solution available.

It has been largely reported in the past, that security agencies in the country were unable to decode the communication made through the company's devices and systems, and hence, these were perceived as a security threat.

News Sources