New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha has given the nod to the Telecommunications Bill, 2023, with the objective of amending and consolidating laws that will enable the development, expansion and operation of telecommunication networks and services.
The bill also amends particular provisions of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act (TRAI), 1997.
The Lok Sabha also gave the greenlight to the Bill yesterday, supporting the government’s authority to temporarily assume control of telecom services for national security reasons. The bill was passed through a voice vote following a concise debate.
Emphasising the bill’s significance, Communications Minister Vaishnaw stated that it will drive structural reforms within the telecom sector. The legislation empowers the government to take over a telecom network during public emergencies or in the interest of public safety.
Vaishnaw highlighted that the bill signifies a repeal of two laws, including the archaic 138-year-old Indian Telegraph Act of 1885.
Key provisions of the bill include the administrative allocation of spectrum to satellite communications companies, reinforcing protective measures for telecom infrastructure, and ensuring a smooth network rollout, particularly for optical fibre cables.
Notably, the bill mandates companies to issue SIM cards only after capturing verifiable biometric data to curb the misuse of telecom resources.
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