The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is planning to make it mandatory for operators to share cable landing stations (CLSs).

The objective is to restrict the incumbents' monopolistic practices and provide a level playing field for new entrants. Consequently, submarine cables connecting India would be able to access the CLSs belonging to Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited (VSNL), Reliance-owned Flag Telecom, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Bharti Airtel. This move, which has been recommended by TRAI, is expected to increase competition in the international long distance (ILD) segment.