The Indian Telecom Bill, 2023, replaces the Telegraph Act and introduces new laws to improve public safety. It permits the government to halt telecommunications in emergencies and allocate satellite broadband spectrum for free.
The Government introduced the Indian Telecom Bill, 2023, in winter Parliament to replace the 138-year-old Telegraph Act. Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnav introduced a bill to improve public safety and regulate telecom and satellite services. Here are 7 Telecom Bill 2023 basics.
7 Essential Telecom Bill 2023 Facts
Increased government power
The Telecom Bill allows the government to halt telecommunications and manage messages from any telecom equipment for national security and integrity.
Emergency Procedures
The Telecom Bill 2023 allows the government to temporarily take over any telecom service or network in emergencies.
Replacing Old Laws
The new bill replaces the 1885 Indian Telegraph Act and 1933 Indian Wireless Act with current restrictions to keep up with technology.
Telecom network suspension
Telecom Bill 2023 allows the government to halt networks when needed.
Free Satellite Broadband Spectrum
The Telecom Bill eliminates satellite broadband auctions, a change from prior practice. Instead, it allows unfettered spectrum for these services.
Reduced Telecom Company Penalties
The measure reduces telecom companies’ maximum penalty from Rs 50 crore to Rs 5 crore, providing respite to the industry.
DTH Company Provisions
The new bill eliminates insolvency and company interest and penalty waivers. The government would also give DTH operators spectrum without auctions.
The Telecom Bill 2023 modernizes telecom and satellite service legislation to solve contemporary issues.
Conclusion
The Telegraph Act was replaced by the Indian Telecom Bill, 2023, in Parliament’s winter session. The law addresses telecom and satellite service issues to improve public safety and create new restrictions. The bill strengthens government authorities, emergency measures, replaces outdated laws, suspends telecom networks, provides satellite broadband spectrum for free, reduces telecom company penalties, and provides for DTH firms. The bill also eliminates insolvency and company interest and penalty waivers. The bill also lets the government give DTH operators spectrum without auctions. The law modernizes telecom and satellite service regulations to reflect contemporary issues.
