New Delhi [India], Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) across India are grappling with an alarming increase in theft of critical active devices, with the incidence reaching unprecedented levels since October 2023. This increase in piracy is causing disruption in telecom services and causing huge financial losses to them. In response to the TSP, Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) Director General Lieutenant General Dr SP Kochhar has written an urgent letter to the Department of Telecommunications (DOT), seeking immediate intervention. Kochhar highlighted the increase in theft of essential telecommunications equipment, especially remote radio units (RRUs and baseband units (BBUs)). These thefts have adversely affected specific regions, especially Delhi NCR, Rajasthan, Assam, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka.What is shocking is that in Punjab and Haryana, only 31 districts in these regions account for 50 percent of the theft incidents recorded across the country. Despite various preventive measures implemented by TSPs, the frequency and audacity of these thefts have made such efforts largely ineffective. Stolen equipment is rarely recovered. TSP faces significant technical and legal challenges. The recurring nature of these thefts at some sites compounds the problem, leading to a decline in service quality and, in some cases, a complete shutdown of service for customers.The widespread and frequent nature of these events is not only a significant cause. Financial loss for TSPs, but also disrupted services for consumers. The additional expenditure required to replace stolen equipment puts further pressure on the resources of these service providers. Lt Gen Kochhar informed that theft of active equipment has been banned under the Telecom Act, 2023. It is classified as a serious crime under. , which classifies i as a cognizable and non-bailable offence. This legal framework reflects the seriousness of the issue and the need for strict enforcement. Kochhar said, “Theft of active equipment from telecom towers is not becoming a problem and it is a serious problem.Earlier theft was limited only to things like batteries etc. But now active radios are being lifted from towers and sold in the open market through websites through e-commerce platforms, which has a major impact on the stability of the network. “And this also has a huge financial impact on the TSPs that have provided these networks,” the consumer said directly. We have taken this very seriously and we have written to the DOT on two separate occasions to take note of this situation and they have written to the state governments to stop this menace and ask us to look into and stop this criminal activity. Police have been asked to take action. it. We have also asked them to see what avenues they have available to stop the sale of pirated goods on publicly available websites.The letter also raises concerns about pirated devices being sold on overseas websites, suggesting a possible link between piracy and online sales platforms, an illustrative list of such websites is included in an annex to the letter , which emphasizes the need for immediate action to block these platforms. In light of these important issues, Lt Gen Kochhar urged the Department of Telecommunications to take action, write to Chief Secretaries of all States to give priority to complaints regarding equipment theft and ensure strict action, especially in cases of theft. Coordinate with states to provide police protection for telecom infrastructure in the U.S. -Issue orders to block websites selling active piracy devices in prone areas, including the websites listed in the annexure. The increasing incidents pose a serious threat to the quality and reliability of telecommunication services, affecting both service providers and consumers. Immediate intervention by the Department of Telecommunications is important to curb this.These thefts protect essential infrastructure, and maintain the integrity of India's telecommunications network.