The advent of packet-data networks and all the resulting applications-from picture messaging to push-to-talk services-creates a host of new issues that network operators and other wireless players must confront. And one important although potentially overlooked issue has absolutely nothing to do with making money from such applications.
Raj Puri, vice president of VeriSign Inc.’s NetDiscovery program, said that last year there were more than 70,000 law enforcement requests for real-time call information, as police departments, the FBI and other agencies look to track the communications of potential criminals. Further, federal and state courts authorized a total of more than 1,300 wiretaps last year, and 77 percent of those taps were of wireless devices. Network operators are required by law to submit to such surveillance requests by giving law enforcement agencies call records and usage information.
In most cases, operators need only provide phone numbers and billing details. But in some cases, law enforcement agencies request real-time access to calls, allowing them to listen in on what is being said in real time. If the suspects are exchanging text messages or even picture messages, law enforcement agencies will need to know that too.
“It’s a fairly hefty burden,” said VeriSign’s Puri. “On top of all this, it’s not a revenue-generating service.”
Puri said VeriSign’s NetDiscovery service offers operators a cost-effective method for dealing with law enforcement requests. The Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA) helped set out the guidelines for such requests when it passed in 1994. The USA Patriot Act and the Homeland Security Act further promoted the use of wiretaps and electronic surveillance. Network operators, from wireline carriers to Internet service providers to wireless carriers, are required to help in any way they can with such requests.
However, Puri said, fulfilling law enforcement requests for wiretap can involve a significant amount of work. For example, Puri said, multiple agencies, such as local police departments and federal agencies like the DEA, might request the same information. Network operators would have to manage multiple connections into their network, ensuring that each law enforcement agency was able to access the call or message. Further, police and others might need detailed billing records of multiple users in order to filter out potential suspects.
“There’s quite a few agencies,” Puri said, estimating that there are a total of 1,200 different law enforcement entities around the country. “There’s all sorts of connectivity that can go on.”
And in a further twist, wireless operators face a unique challenge due to their efforts to increase data traffic. Text messages, multimedia messages and push-to-talk services all fall under the potential purview of law enforcement needs.
“Our goal is to ensure that as these (data) services are launched, that we provide these services,” Puri said.
Launched last year, VeriSign’s NetDiscovery program is aimed at helping all types of network operators more easily meet wiretap requests. The company earlier this year introduced new support for GPRS and CDMA 1xRTT data networks. Puri said the company counts a variety of operators including some wireless carriers as customers, although Puri declined to name them. Announced NetDiscovery customers include broadband provider Comwavz.
VeriSign offers its NetDiscovery services through a variable monthly fee. Network operators first connect to VeriSign’s network monitoring equipment, and VeriSign then deals with law enforcement requests.
However, some carriers prefer to keep their operations to themselves. For instance, Verizon Wireless said it deals with wiretap requests internally. The carrier declined to provide further details. Nextel Communications Inc. also said it manages wiretap requests itself, including requests for data information like text messages.
Other companies providing lawful intercept services include Verint Systems Inc., SS8 Networks and Aqsacom.
