Discourage States From Issuing Internet Shutdown Orders: COAI

SUMMARY

COAI said that nearly 3,711 hours (or 154 days) of internet shutdowns have already taken place across 11 telecom circles since April 2024

Telecom operators said that internet suspensions inconvenience citizens and cripple critical functions such as money transfer, subsidy transaction and online education

As per a report, internet shutdowns cost Indians an estimated $1.9 Bn in 2023

Telecom industry body Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has reportedly written to the Centre to dissuade state governments from issuing orders barring internet services.

In a letter to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the telcos reportedly said that nearly 3,711 hours (or 154 days) of internet shutdowns have already taken place across 11 telecom circles since April 2024.

As per the letter dated December 3 accessed by Economic Times, telecom operators said that such internet suspensions inconvenience citizens and cripple critical functions such as money transfer, subsidy transaction and online education.

“It has been observed that state governments frequently impose internet shutdowns at various locations within the states by simply citing the temporary suspension of telecom services (public emergency or public safety) rules, 2017, depriving the general public of essential telecommunication services during such periods,” read the letter.

It is pertinent to note that local authorities temporarily bar internet services in their respective areas to address law and order concerns and other issues.

Notably, in the case of India, the country continues to witness heavy internet shutdown every year. As per a report by digital rights watchdog Access Now, India has been a leader in internet shutdowns for nearly a decade.

The report claims that the country witnessed instances of internet shutdowns between 2016 and 2023. Meanwhile, another digital advocacy group SFLC.in estimates that the country saw 58 internet shutdowns in 2024 so far.

Internet disruptions entail a heavy cost as many users depend on online services for commerce and information, and lead to reduced trade and thus an economic cost. Internet shutdowns cost Indians an estimated $1.9 Bn in 2023.

Just a day ago, the Haryana government suspended mobile internet in at least ten villages of Ambala district till December 9 under Section 20 of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 amid farmer’s protest to curb the spread of misinformation and maintain public peace.