The government on Monday tabled before Parliament a new draft of the Indian Telecommunications Bill, 2023, to create a legal and regulatory framework for telecom networks. The Bill seeks to replace the existing regulatory framework for the telecommunication sector.
Talking about the Bill Akshaya Moondra, CEO, of Vodafone Idea Limited, said “The Telecommunications Bill, 2023, tabled in the parliament, represents a watershed moment in the telecom reform process and reaffirms the commitment of the Government to provide Indian telecom with a future-fit framework that helps achieve the growth aspirations of new India.”
He further added, “The Bill carries several forward-looking provisions that will help deliver the benefits of digital connectivity to all our citizens. We warmly welcome the rationalization of penalties and the legal enforceability of right-of-way provisions, a long-standing request of the industry. Security of telecom networks is paramount, and the Bill recognizes telecom as critical infrastructure and prescribes punitive consequences for those who damage it. By highlighting the duties of users, the Bill puts equal responsibility on consumers to meet the requirements of national security.”
