COAI Raises Alarm Over Rising Telecom Equipment Theft, Seeks Government Action

The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), representing major telecom operators like Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea, has raised concerns over the rising cases of telecom equipment theft. In a letter to Telecom Secretary Neeraj Mittal, COAI has sought the government's intervention to address this issue, which is causing significant losses and affecting customer services.

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Urgent Action Needed

COAI has urged the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to write to all State Chief Secretaries, emphasizing the need to prioritize complaints related to telecom equipment theft and ensure strict action. The association has also requested the DoT to issue orders for the immediate blocking of several foreign websites, including eBay, Alibaba, Telefly, Seeker816, and Dorfatrade, which are suspected of selling active equipment stolen from telecom networks.

Escalating Incidents of Theft

COAI Director General SP Kochhar highlighted the alarming increase in equipment theft cases, particularly since October 2023. Remote Radio Units (RRU) and Baseband Units (BBU) are the primary targets of these thefts. The association noted that certain geographies, including Delhi NCR, Rajasthan, Assam, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Punjab, and Haryana, are disproportionately affected by this issue. Just 31 districts account for half of the theft incidents reported across India.

Impact on Customers and Telcos

The rising incidents of theft have severe consequences for customers and telecom operators. Affected sites often experience a decline in service quality or complete disruption, causing inconvenience to users. Additionally, telcos incur substantial losses and incur additional expenses in replacing the stolen equipment.

Government's Role

COAI acknowledged the government's recognition of the seriousness of telecom equipment theft by classifying it as a cognisable and non-bailable offence under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. However, the association emphasized the need for further action to curb this menace. COAI has suggested that the DoT coordinate with states to provide police protection for telecom infrastructure, especially in theft-prone areas.

The issue of telecom equipment theft requires immediate attention and collaborative efforts from the government, law enforcement agencies, and telecom operators. By taking proactive measures to address this problem, the industry can ensure the uninterrupted delivery of high-quality telecom services to customers across the country.