The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has initiated an exercise to frame security standards around network function virtualisation (NFV), a key feature of 5G technology. The basic parameter for the upcoming standards is to safeguard the telecom networks. The National Centre for communication Security (NCCS), a unit under DoT, has started work to frame security standards that will be binding on telecom operators as well as equipment makers.
NFV is an intrinsic feature of 5G, which allows some telecom network functions to be virtualised or being software driven. With virtualisation of some components of networks, a lot of opex and capex can be saved.
As per the draft Indian Telecommunications Security Assurance Requirements (ITSAR), prepared by NCCS, NFV allows for the network functions developed by various vendors to run on commercially off the shelf hardware (COTS) servers by using virtualization technologies. “While the introduction of NFV in the mobile network has benefits of savings on opex/capex and automation gain, the virtualization technologies, and the underpinning COTS hardware present new challenges to network security in realizing the network functions,” the draft said.
In this regard, comments have been sought from all the stakeholders, including telecom firms, network vendors, academia etc. A meeting will be held on February 27, wherein the issue will be discussed by NCCS along with stakeholders.
EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager has been reluctant to allow telecoms providers acquire EU peers without hefty remedies, especially when deals reduce the number of players from four to three, underlining concerns about the market power of fewer but larger telecoms operators. “I believe that creating a true single market for telecommunications services also requires a reflection on encouraging cross-border consolidation, all while preserving fair and necessary competition for the benefit of our consumers,” Breton said in a speech to be delivered at an event in Helsinki.
