DoT receives accolades on amending RoW rules

“We are thankful to DoT for introducing the much-awaited amendments in the RoW Rules, 2016 with so many positive factors for the telecom sector. As the country is set to witness the 5G technology, The Indian Telegraph Right of Way (Amendment) Rules, 2022 will ensure the speedy roll-out of the technology and make the dream of 5G enabled India comes true. Access to the existing infrastructure, deployment of new infrastructure, and the high cost involved in it were major challenges the telecom sector always came across which will now be eased down.

We are also elated to have 5G RoW application form on GatiShakti Sanchar Portal which is again a positive sign to speed up the installation process of digital infrastructure. We are sure that such initiatives will bring us a step closer to achieving the Digital India vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi.

This is a significant stage toward making a robust mechanism to achieve the goal of “Broadband to All” as visualized in the National Digital Communication Policy-2018. As India is at the cusp of launching 5G innovation which requires network densification, RoW and the use of street furniture for the deployment of small cells will meet a significant role.

The country requires the densification of mobile networks for the enhancement of digital services and the forthcoming roll-out of 5G services in India. Mobile broadband has a significant impact on a country’s economic performance and social inclusion. The amendment in the RoW rules will help incorporate provisions on small cell deployment, and ensure uniform implementation of RoW rules across states, union territories, and municipal bodies. This will further reduce approval timelines for small cells to 15-30 days, and no SACFA approvals would be required for small cells.”
Lt. Gen. Dr. SP Kochhar, Director General, COAI

T.R.Dua, DG, DIPA, said,” The release of Right of Way (RoW) Rules Amendment and launch of 5G RoW Application form on GatiShakti Sanchar Portal by Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Communications, Electronics & Information Technology and Railways will ease RoW related permission procedures for establishment and augmentation of digital communications infrastructure across the country. With a robust pan India digital infrastructure, the digital divide between rural-urban and rich-poor will be bridged. Ultimately it will be an acceleration towards achieving the dream of India’s transition to a digitally empowered economy and society will be translated into a reality. These amendments in place now, will go a long way in creating necessary infrastructure to cater to forthcoming 5G rollouts in the country.”

“Right of Way has been an impediment for faster roll out of telecom networks due to a plethora of varying processes and rates across several agencies and states. Bringing RoW on a single platform, along with other elements of telecom networks, is a leapfrog step for India.”
Jaideep Ghosh, COO, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co.

CT Bureau