DoT invites comments on draft Indian Telecommunication Bill, 2022

Ministry of Communications had initiated a public consultative process to develop a modern and future-ready legal framework in telecommunication.

In July 2022, a Consultation Paper on ‘Need for a new legal framework governing Telecommunication in India’ was published and comments were invited. Comments have been received from various stakeholders and industry associations. Based on the consultations and deliberations, the Ministry has now prepared the draft Indian Telecommunication Bill, 2022.

To facilitate further consultations, an Explanatory note to provide a brief overview of the Bill has also been prepared.

Comments may be sent on the email ID : [email protected]. Last date of sending the comments will be October 22, 2022.

The Bill has specifically addressed these aspects in 53 sections divided into 12 chapters:

• Licensing, Registration, Authorization and Assignment
• Right of Way for Telecommunication Infrastructure
• Restructuring, Defaults in Payment and Insolvency
• Standards, Public Safety and National Security
• Telecommunication Development Fund
• Innovation and Technology Development
• Protection of users
• Offences
• Repeal and Savings

The draft has proposed changes related to licensing processes; restructuring and insolvency; protection of users, among others.

The draft bill proposes to allow the central government to address defaults in payments by a licensee by Deferment of payments fully or partly; Convert the full or partial amount of dues into shares in the licensee; and Write off the amounts in part of full or grant relief from payment of such amounts.

Relief can only be granted if the central government determines the existence of extraordinary circumstances for taking such measures.

The draft bill proposes only registration, and not a licence, to provide telecommunication infrastructure such as towers, lines and cable corridors.

Also read, https://www.communicationstoday.co.in/indian-telecommunication-bill-2022/

CT Bureau