In a historic move, the Modi government has successfully passed the Telecommunications Bill, 2023, in Parliament, marking a pivotal shift from the archaic 138-year-old Colonial Telegraph Act. This legislative breakthrough consolidates spectrum management, right of way regulations, and dispute resolution mechanisms, all encapsulated in a comprehensive legal framework.
Let's delve into the remarkable strides made by #ModiSarkar in the telecom sector over the past 9.5 years before exploring the key features of the Telecommunications Bill, 2023.
ModiSarkar's Telecom Reforms Highlights:
- Optical Fibre Cable expanded from 9 Lakh Km to an impressive 39 Lakh Km.
- Broadband Internet Users soared from 1.5 Crore to a staggering 85 Crore.
- Internet Speed experienced a substantial surge from 1.3 MBPS to a commendable 75 MBPS.
- Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) increased from 6.25 Lakh to an extensive 25.5 Lakh.
With such substantial growth, it became imperative to fortify the legal framework, leading to the introduction of the Telecommunications Bill, 2023, by #ModiSarkar.
Main Features of the Telecommunications Bill, 2023:
User Protection at the Forefront: The bill prioritizes user protection with stringent Know Your Customer (KYC) norms.
Penalties for Malpractices: Harsh penalties, including three years imprisonment or a ₹50 Lakh penalty, for acquiring SIM using fake documents or spoofing telephone numbers.
“Do Not Disturb” Mandate: Legal mandate for the "Do Not Disturb" register to shield users from unsolicited commercial messages and calls.
Online Grievance Redressal: Introduction of an online grievance redressal mechanism to address user grievances efficiently.
Spectrum Auction Framework: The bill introduces a preferred auction mode for spectrum assignment, ensuring transparency and economic viability.
National Security Measures: Provisions to restrict internet freedom in exceptional cases like war or riots, safeguarding national security.
The legislation also addresses industry concerns and crucially updates definitions from the outdated 1885 Telegraph Act. It includes measures for mandatory biometric identification before issuing SIM cards, ensuring secure telecom operations.
Dispelling Opposition's Misinformation:
Clarifying Definitions: Contrary to opposition claims, the bill broadens the umbrella based on traditional definitions, aligning with historic legislation.
Selective Authorization: The legislation doesn't mandate government authorization for all online services, only selective ones, and excludes major OTT services like WhatsApp.
Biometric Data Misconceptions: Biometric verification is limited to SIM card issuance, ensuring national security without invading privacy.
In summary, Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has introduced a forward-thinking Telecommunications Bill, 2023, epitomizing #ModiSarkar's commitment to consumer protection, business facilitation, and national security. The legislation brings India's telecom sector into a new era, fostering growth and resilience.
