Raja calls for policies to deal with upcoming security challenges

New Delhi, Oct 13 (UNI) Communications and IT Minister A Raja called for cohesive steps to be taken by policy makers as a proactive step towards gearing up for the security challenges posed by next generation networks (NGN).

Mr Raja called for a cohesive domestic and international policy to deal with the security challenges posed by the Next Generation telecom Network (NGN).

''While the NGN will offer increased bandwidth, wider range of applications and reduced cost, many of its features will present a whole new set of risks,'' he said adding that the problems will be compounded as these networks interoperate internationally, each with its own set of regulations and security policies.

He also called upon regulators to ensure that NGN develops in a coordinated manner and in the right direction.

The Minister asked the telecom planners to develop applications that are useful to and usable by the poor.

He underlined that the services have to be made acceptable to the rural consumers by incorporating features that would make it attractive to them. This, he said, will help reduce the digital divide in India and other South Asian countries.

Telecommunications can benefit rural businesses by giving them direct access to customers and linking them to breaking news about markets, suppliers, technology, and Government regulations, the minister said.

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