Industry participants applauded the recently passed Telecommunications Bill 2023, on Monday, pointing out that its features will harmonize tariffs and Right of Way (RoW) standards and laws across all states.
The company’s executives claim that they will also take care of issues that have long plagued telecom infrastructure providers, like charge caps, assuming consent, and installing telecom infrastructure on private land.
“Additionally, the measure safeguards digital infrastructure by forbidding coercive actions against the communications network by public entities unless approved by a Central Government authority and limited to instances of public emergency or natural disaster.,” Digital Infrastructure Providers Association (DIPA) Director General T.R. Dua said.
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Telecommunications Bill 2023: Empowering Digital Networks
The goal of the Telecommunications Bill 2023, which was introduced by Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, is to establish strong telecom networks by means of a clearly defined Chapter on RoW. This includes granting RoW without discrimination and making it clear that this network will not be taken into account for the purposes of any taxes, levies, cessations, fees, or duties on that property.
“The Bill prohibits the use of coercive measures, including closures or sealing, without the legal approval of the central government. These positive steps will help to ensure that Indians have access to a robust digital network across the country,” COAI Director General, Lt. Gen. Dr. S.P. Kochhar (retd) said.
“We especially appreciate the fines’ specifics and explanations. The Bill creates a link between the nature of the offense and proportionality, which will lead to a deliberate and fair approach to sanctions. It’s a constructive step meant to increase industry confidence and facilitate business dealings.,” he added.
Ensuring Security and Regulatory Clarity
The word “license” has been substituted in the Bill with “authorization,” and it is stated that authorization is necessary in order to offer telecommunication services. This would streamline the telecom services regulatory environment as a whole.
Experts added that the Bill includes strong restrictions against illegal communication interception and unauthorised access in order to support national security.
Harsh Walia, a partner at Khaitan & Co., claims that although the Telecommunications Bill 2023 gives the Central government a lot of authority, there are a lot of areas where it overlaps with other areas and authorities that are handled by other regulators.
“Making sure that the Department of Telecommunications does not collaborate with other regulatory bodies, like the Competition Commission of India, TRAI, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, etc., is crucial because the Central Government has excessive authority over matters that are already covered by existing laws.,” Walia said.
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