India's Telecom Sector Gets a Digital Boost with New Legislative Overhaul

New Delhi, Jul 29 (KNN) India has introduced the Telecommunication Act, 2023 (TA23), marking a significant shift from the 1885 Telegraph Act.

This new legislation aims to modernise the country's telecom framework and address the challenges of the digital age.

TA23 expands its scope to cover the entire telecommunication sector, including emerging technologies and user protection measures. It introduces regulatory sandboxes to foster innovation and establishes a more robust dispute resolution mechanism with new adjudicating authorities.

The Act provides greater flexibility in spectrum management, allowing for administrative allocation in specific cases, potentially bypassing the mandatory auction route.

The Universal Service Obligation Fund has been renamed Digital Bharat Nidhi, with expanded objectives to support research and development in telecom technologies.

User protection features prominently, with new provisions mandating prior consent for specified messages and maintenance of a Do Not Disturb register.

The Act also recognises spectrum as a valuable asset, allowing for commercial exploitation by allottees while the government retains ownership.

As of July 2024, 44 out of 62 sections have been notified, with rules for 23 sections still pending. Industry experts emphasise that swift implementation is crucial for the Act's success.

While critics argue that some provisions may give the government broader powers in spectrum allocation, supporters contend that this flexibility is necessary to address public interest and national security concerns.

This transformative legislation sets the stage for a more agile and future-ready telecom sector, potentially catalysing India's digital growth. Stakeholders await the notification of remaining sections and rules to fully understand the Act's impact on India's telecom landscape.

(KNN Bureau)