India considers secure government network

The Indian government is proposing to spend 4.5 billion rupees (€67 million) to set up a government-only secure voice and data network.
 
The Department of Telecom is considering deploying the nationwide network, which would provide services including e-mail, VoIP and mobile services, to overcome security concerns surrounding the use of foreign-based communications services.
 
Specifically, the DoT is worried about how those overseas services can be utilized by foreign governments to access classified messages the Economic Times reports.
 
If the new network is deployed, traffic would instead remain onshore and be routed through the non-profit National Internet Exchange of India. The network would be deployed by state-owned operators BSNL and MTNL, and both would likely be reimbursed the cost of the build.
 
Of the proposed budget, 3 billion rupees would go toward the deployment, 1 billion rupees would be set aside for operating expenditure and another 500 million rupees would go toward R&D.
 
Security-conscious India has drawn attention by leaning on web companies including RIM, Google and Skype - to set up local servers for Indian traffic. One reason was to ensure that security agencies can monitor communications made through the services.