TELECOMMUNICATION BILL - GOVERNANCE
News: Incoming call: On the introduction of the Telecommunications Bill, 2023
What is in the news?
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Recently, the Union
government introduced the Telecommunication Bill in the Lok Sabha.
Key details from the bill:
●
It seeks to replace the
Indian Telegraph Act of 1885, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1933 and
the Telegraph Wires (Unlawful Possession) Act of 1950.
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Authorization
for Telecom-related Activities: Obtaining prior approval
from the central government is mandatory for (i) providing telecom services,
(ii) establishing, operating, or expanding telecom networks, or (iii)
possessing radio equipment.
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The Bill allows the
government to take back the spectrum that is unutilized and also allow for the
sharing, trading, and leasing of spectrum.
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Changes
in the Allocation of Spectrum: Spectrum will be assigned by auction, except
for certain specified uses.
●
In some specific use
cases, spectrum will be allocated on an administrative basis (by the
Government).
These include:
○ national
security and defence,
○ disaster
management,
○ weather
forecasting,
○ transport
(railways, etc.),
○ satellite
services such as DTH, satellite telephony,
○ BSNL,
MTNL, and public broadcasting services.
●
Powers
of Interception: Government can suspend, assume
control of, or oversee any telecom service in case of public emergency or
national security concerns.
●
The Bill empowers the
central and state governments or a government authorized officer to seek
interception, disclosure, and suspension of powers in case of a public
emergency or interest or safety.
●
Digital
Bharat Nidhi: An earlier fund to provide telecom
services in underserved areas has been renamed as Digital Bharat Nidhi,
expanding its usage to include R&D.
●
Dispute
Settlement: A tiered structure for settling disputes
– involving an adjudicating officer, designated committee of appeals and the
Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) on top.
●
Biometric
Authentication of Users: Entities have been
mandated to carry out biometric authentication of their users as a measure to
curb fraud.
●
Territorial
Applicability: It now extends to offenses committed
outside India if the offense in question involves a telecom service provided in
India.