It aims to amend the law relating to development, expansion and operation of telecommunication services and telecommunication networks and is guided by principles of Inclusion, Security, Growth, and Responsiveness.
- It repeals Indian Telegraph Act 1885 and Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act 1933 owing to huge technical advancements in telecom sector and technologies.
Salient features of Act that comes into force
- Define various terminologies like telecommunication, spectrum, user etc., thereby reducing uncertainties and improving investor confidence and ease of doing business.
- RoW (Right of Way) framework shall be granted on a non-discriminatory and non-exclusive basis.
- Central Government may notify standards and conformity assessment measures for telecommunication services, networks, security, distribution and sale of telecommunication equipment; etc.
- Protection of users (by Central government) which include prior consent to receive specified messages like advertising messages, creation of Do Not Disturb registers etc.
- Expands scope of Universal Service Obligation Fund which will now become Digital Bharat Nidhi (under control of central government).
- This fund can be used to support research and development of telecommunication services, technologies, products and pilot projects.
Significance of Act
- Enhancing security and quality in telecommunication services.
- Gives greater emphasis to consumer protection and national security.