Indian telecom operators are expressing discontent as incidents of active equipment theft reach unprecedented levels. The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), representing Indian telecom operators, recently addressed a letter to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) seeking assistance. According to COAI, since October 2023, incidents of telecom equipment theft, particularly Remote Radio Units (RRUs) and Baseband Units (BBUs), have surged significantly.
A notable portion, approximately 50%, of these thefts occur in specific regions, including Delhi NCR, Assam, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, and Haryana. Despite telecom companies’ efforts to prevent such occurrences, theft incidents persist. Customers bear the brunt of this situation, facing potential disruptions in services or complete cessation of services in certain areas due to equipment theft.
COAI has urged the telecom department to intervene by communicating with all State Chief Secretaries to prioritize complaints related to telecom equipment theft and ensure stringent action against perpetrators. Additionally, the request emphasizes the necessity for collaboration with state police departments to safeguard telecom infrastructure, particularly in theft-prone regions. Furthermore, telecom operators are advocating for the blocking of specific websites known for selling stolen active telecom equipment originating from Indian telcos.
Major online platforms such as alibaba.com, ebay.com, and others are specifically mentioned for consideration of banning by Indian telecom operators. These websites serve as channels for accessing stolen telecom equipment easily. The consequences extend beyond financial losses for telcos, which must replace stolen infrastructure with new equipment; vendors also suffer losses as their products are resold on online marketplaces at discounted rates.
