• Source:JND
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In a gazette notification on Friday, the Ministry of Communications said some rules under the sections of the Telecommunications Act 2023 will be effective from June 26. For context, the Act will supersede the regulatory framework of the telecommunication sector, which is based on the Indian Telegraph Act (1885), the Wireless Telegraphy Act (1933), and the Telegraph Wires (Unlawful Possession) Act (1950).

According to PTI, the notification said that the provisions of "sections 1, 2, 10 to 30, 42 to 44, 46, 47, 50 to 58, 61 and 62" of the Telecommunications Act 2023 will come into force on June 26. These rules will allow the Indian government to intercept control and manage (or even suspend) any (or all) of any telecom services or networks, which may affect national security, friendly relations with foreign countries or other events like war.

Also Read: Parliament Passes Telecommunications Bill Allowing Centre To Take Temporary Control Of Telecom Services

After the new rules, the Universal Service Obligation Fund will be known as Digital Bharat Nidhi. It can be used for sponsoring research, development or experimental projects beyond supporting the expansion of telecommunication services in rural belts in India. The new provisions also mandate the protection of users from spam and malicious activity.

According to the report, the said sections clear the way for enforcing non-discriminatory and non-exclusive grants of the right of way for telecom network rollout. It also empowers the Indian government to establish common ducts and cable corridors. For the unaware, the Telecom Act was passed by the Parliament and will replace the Indian Telegraph Act (1885), and the Wireless Telegraphy Act (1933).

Also Read: Telecom Bill 2023 Replacing Century-Old Legislation Passes Parliament Test; Provisions, Controversies And All You Need To Know

The legislation was passed in both Houses in the Winter Session and received presidential assent in December. While several Industry bodies have welcomed the bill, a few technology activist and privacy advocates have raised concerns around the act's provisions. You can read more details about the Telecom Act here.