Ensure Infrastructure to Intercept 3G Calls: Home Ministry

The Home Ministry has asked the Department of Telecommunication to ensure service providers upgrade infrastructure to intercept calls and SMS of all third generation (3G) mobile services or else stop using the latest technology.

In a letter, the MHA has asked DoT to direct state-run BSNL and MTNL, which currently offer the services, to do the needful immediately or else stop the services, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir.

"The service providers have not upgraded their infrastructure, which were put in place for intercepting the second-generation wireless telephone technology. We told them that the security agencies must have access to the 3G services whenever there is a need," an official said.

The BSNL has a 3G subscriber base of over 10 lakh, while MTNL has nearly five lakh users. MTNL operates in Delhi and Mumbai, while BSNL operates in the rest of the country.

The MHA also asked DoT to ensure that the private operators, which are expected to offer the 3G service by the end of this year, put in place the facilities to intercept messages before launching the service.

The BSNL has been offering 3G services in Jammu and Kashmir since two months.

The 3G wireless offer subscribers services like internet and faster download speed. 3G also offers services such as emails, chats, voice over internet protocol (VoIP) besides others.