In a recent move, the Indian government bid farewell to the colonial laws, welcoming the passage of the Telecommunications Bill 2023.
It replaced the archaic Telegraph Act of 1885, the Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1933 and the Telegraph Wires (Unlawful Possession) Act of 1950. Signifying a revolutionary leap in the country’s communication infrastructure.
The bill was cleared with Lok Sabha passing it on Wednesday and Rajya Sabha giving its nod through a voice vote on Thursday, highlighting the consensus on the reform, while it still awaits for the president's approval to become the statutory law.
Communications minister Ashwani Vaishnaw, expressed that the bill is a reflection of the aspirations of new India. “In the last nine-and-a-half years, India’s telecom sector has emerged from a very difficult period marred by scams to become a sunrise sector”, the minister asserted.
The bill’s extraordinary feature lies in its approach to spectrum allocation, opting for a non-auction route for satellite-based communication airways.
The strategic move not only steers in a new era of technological advancement but promises to democratize access to communication resources.
But how does the Telecommunication bill 2023 directly benefit the broader public?
Firstly, the legislation introduces stringent penalties for obtaining SIM cards or telecom resources through fraudulent means. Offenders could face a three-year jail term and substantial fine of 50 lakhs.
This move not only safeguards individuals but also promotes ethical practices within the telecom sector.
Another notable provision is that it focuses on tackling the threat of SIM card cloning. Industry giants like Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea, have cautioned their subscribers against this malpractice, stressing upon the collaborative effort to combat telecom-related crimes.
To prioritize individual privacy, the Bill mandates explicit consent to mobile users for receiving advertising and promotional messages.
In addition, the bill ensures the security of messages accredited to central or state governments, maintaining privacy of such transmissions, though exceptions carve out only in cases where the interception is mandatory for public emergency or maintaining public order.
Finally, recognizing the importance of biometric data protection, telecom operators will capture biometrics when issuing new connections.
The bill paves the way for a renewed technological advancement, while prioritizing the rights and security of the common man. However, the question arises, will it prove to be a testament to effective governance or hurdles in implementation. Only time holds the answer.
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