“New Telecom Bill Introduced Despite Opposition Noise in Parliament”
The Telecom Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, presented the Telecommunications Bill, 2023 in Parliament. This bill aims to update and combine the rules for telecom services and networks, including spectrum allocation.
Key points of the Bill:
- Government Control for National Security: It allows the government to take control or suspend telecom services for national security reasons.
- Focus on Security: The Bill emphasizes creating a legal framework for secure telecom networks, stating that the country’s security relies on safe communication systems for digital growth.
- Framework for Telecom Services: It outlines rules for telecom services, networks, radio equipment possession, efficient spectrum use, technology development, and an innovation platform for using spectrum.
- Exemptions for Internet Companies: The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), representing around 600 internet companies and startups, praised the Bill for excluding internet-based services like email, broadcasting, and over-the-top communication services.
Overall, the industry body supports the Bill as it excludes various internet services, as suggested by them, from its scope.
