- By Kamal Kumar
- Mon, 18 Dec 2023 03:16 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Telecommunications Bill 2023: The freshly tabled Telecommunications Bill 2023 enables the Centre to temporarily acquire any telecommunication network for public safety or during a public emergency. Today, Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw introduced the Bill in Lok Sabha, amid Opposition protests seeking a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the security breach in Parliament security last week.
The bill, while proposing to amend the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act(TRAI), 1997, also aims to amend and consolidate the laws relating to the development, expansion and operation of telecommunication services and telecommunication networks, the assignment of spectrum.
"On the occurrence of any public emergency, including disaster management, or in the interest of public safety, the Central Government or a State Government or any officer specially authorised on this behalf by the Central Government or a State Government, if satisfied that it is necessary or expedient so to do, by notification- (a) take temporary possession of any telecommunication service or telecommunication network from an authorised entity," the draft bill says.
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BSP MP Ritesh Pandey opposed its introduction, saying the government is bringing it as a "money bill" so that Rajya Sabha is not able to have a decisive say. He said the bill also raises concerns over the privacy of data.
The new bill seeks to repeal the Indian Telegraph Act, of 1885, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, of 1933 and the Telegraph Wires (Unlawful Possession) Act, 1950.
According to the statement of objects and reasons of the bill, there is a need to create a legal and regulatory framework that focuses on a safe and secure telecommunication network that provides for digitally inclusive growth.
The current legal framework is governed by three laws enacted in 1885, 1933 and 1950.
"The nature of telecommunication, its usage and underlying technologies have undergone massive changes, especially in the past decade. Therefore, there is a need for enacting legislation for the telecom sector that serves the needs of our society," the statement said.
The Bill seeks to provide a framework for the authorisation of telecommunication services, telecommunication networks, and possession of radio equipment; the assignment and efficient utilization of spectrum, including provisions for harmonisation and re-farming; development of new technologies and regulatory sandbox for innovation using spectrum.
It provides a framework for developing and maintaining telecom networks through a right of way provisions and the establishment of common ducts.