What our new telecom regulatory law should look like
2 years, 4 months ago

What our new telecom regulatory law should look like

Live Mint  

Telecommunications in India is regulated under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, a law that came into force at a time when the internet, voice telephony and many of the services we take for granted today were not even technically possible. Rather than issuing different licences to various participants in the sector, often repeating general conditions with minor variations, we should just encode regulatory obligations into the law. Where specific obligations are required, particularly in relation to different services, they can be set out in purpose-built rules that apply selectively to entities which offer that particular type of telecom facility. They should only be authorized to provide services to authorized telecom service providers and not directly to customers.

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History of this topic

BSNL, Jio, Airtel, Vi users: New telecom rules to improve service from January 1
1 month, 3 weeks ago

BSNL, Jio, Airtel, Vi users: New telecom rules to improve service from January 1

India TV News  

To make life easier for mobile users, the government routinely updates telecom regulations. If you use a mobile phone, there’s important news to note: a new rule will come into effect starting January 1, 2025, impacting customers of Jio, Airtel, Vi, and BSNL. Currently, RoW rules vary from state to state, which has resulted in telecom operators encountering different charges …

Telecom Act allows for licensing OTT apps: COAI
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Telecom Act allows for licensing OTT apps: COAI

The Hindu  

The Cellular Operators Association of India, which represents India’s telecom firms, on Tuesday said that over-the-top communication platforms like WhatsApp are indeed classified as access services under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. “As per our understanding, OTT communication services are covered under the new Telecom Act as an access service,” COAI director general S.P. Then Minister of Communications Ashwini Vaishnaw had …

Trai issues more stringent quality of service regulations
5 months, 1 week ago

Trai issues more stringent quality of service regulations

Hindustan Times  

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India on Friday released the revised regulations to set standards of quality of service for telecom and internet service providers that have more than 10,000 subscribers. Trai issues more stringent quality of service regulations In what will apply to landline, mobile and broadband services, the common set of regulations, called the Standards of Quality of …

New telecom rules likely to be implemented from September 15: Here's what will change
7 months, 3 weeks ago

New telecom rules likely to be implemented from September 15: Here's what will change

India TV News  

A new rule is set to be implemented from September 15 for millions of telecom users in India. The act aims to reform the country's century-old telecom law, based on the Indian Telegraph Act, of 1885, the Wireless Telegraphy Act, and the Telegraph Wires Act. In addition to this, clear guidelines have been established for the collection of user data …

Balancing Innovation And Rights: Evaluating India's Telecommunications Act Of 2023
1 year ago

Balancing Innovation And Rights: Evaluating India's Telecommunications Act Of 2023

Live Law  

India's telecom sector has undergone a significant transformation from its early days governed by outdated laws like the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1933, and the Telegraph Wires Act of 1950. Now, the Telecommunications Act 2023, approved by both the houses of the Parliament and subsequently endorsed by the President on 24 December 2023, …

Parliament Passes New Telecommunication Bill
1 year ago

Parliament Passes New Telecommunication Bill

Deccan Chronicle  

NEW DELHI: Parliament on Thursday passed the Telecommunications Bill, 2023 which was approved by the Rajya Sabha through a voice vote. The bill also provides for stopping transmission and intercepting messages in case of public emergency, in the interest of the public, to prevent incitement for committing offence. Replying to the debate, communications minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the Telecommunications …

Telecom Bill 2023: India's move to replace 138-year-old law | 7 key things to know
1 year ago

Telecom Bill 2023: India's move to replace 138-year-old law | 7 key things to know

India TV News  

During the winter session of Parliament, the Government introduced the Indian Telecom Bill, 2023, with the aim of replacing the outdated Telegraph Act that dates back 138 years. The bill, presented by Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, focuses on enhancing public safety and introduces new regulations, specifically addressing issues concerning telecom companies and satellite services. 7 Key Things …

Incoming call: On the introduction of the Telecommunications Bill, 2023
1 year ago

Incoming call: On the introduction of the Telecommunications Bill, 2023

The Hindu  

The introduction of the Telecommunications Bill, 2023, inches closer to achieving the Union government’s long-standing aim of consolidating the law for wireless networks and Internet service providers, with a 46-page statute that leaves existing regulatory structures largely intact, while simplifying bureaucratic procedures such as applying for licences and permits for telecom operators. The Bill also lets the satellite Internet industry …

Telecom Bill Passed in Lok Sabha With Minimum Debate: Goodbye E2E Encryption?
1 year ago

Telecom Bill Passed in Lok Sabha With Minimum Debate: Goodbye E2E Encryption?

The Quint  

The proposed Telecommunications Bill, 2023, has defined several new terms that weren't included in the 2022 version of the draft Bill, such as: Critical telecommunication infrastructure: The central government is empowered to notify any telecom network as a 'critical telecommunication network' if the disruption of that network "shall have debilitating impact on national security, economy, public health or safety." Authorisation: …

TRAI chairperson from private sector? Telecom bill lays down new eligibility norms
1 year ago

TRAI chairperson from private sector? Telecom bill lays down new eligibility norms

Hindustan Times  

An individual from the private sector can also be eligible for the post of chairperson and member of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, the autonomous regulatory authority overseeing both the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors, proposed a bill introduced in Lok Sabha on Monday. Union communications minister Ashwini Vaishnaw introduced Telecommunications Bill, 2023 in Lok Sabha to amend and consolidate the …

Tabled in Lok Sabha, Telecommunications Bill seeks to regulate all online services
1 year ago

Tabled in Lok Sabha, Telecommunications Bill seeks to regulate all online services

Hindustan Times  

The Telecommunications Bill, 2023, which was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday, seeks to regulate all telecommunication and online services such as WhatsApp, Zoom, Reddit, and Gmail. The bill seeks to allow only “authorised entities” to provide telecommunication services. The bill empowers the government to notify standards and conformity assessment measures related to encryption and data processing, including identification, …

Parliament Winter Session: New Telecom Bill Introduced in Lok Sabha Amid Ruckus
1 year ago

Parliament Winter Session: New Telecom Bill Introduced in Lok Sabha Amid Ruckus

The Quint  

Expanded definition: Clause 2 of the Bill's 2022 version had expanded the definition of “Telecommunication Services'' to include “Over-The-Top communication services”. Internet shutdowns: In the event of a public emergency or in the interest of public safety, Clause 24 of the draft Bill had let the central or state governments suspend communication via any telecommunication network, as long as it …

Telecom bill rings in a slew of changes
1 year ago

Telecom bill rings in a slew of changes

Live Mint  

The Union government will allocate satellite broadband spectrum, mandate biometric authentication of new telecom users, regulate encryption standards for internet communications and wield the power to take over telecom networks at times of war, the new telecom bill tabled in Lok Sabha proposed. “By allocating the spectrum by the administrative method for satcom, India could align itself with international standards, …

Explained | Why is the government pushing for regulatory mechanisms for OTT services?
1 year, 3 months ago

Explained | Why is the government pushing for regulatory mechanisms for OTT services?

The Hindu  

The story so far: On July 7, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India invited responses to a consultation paper it released on a regulatory mechanism for over-the-top communication services. The TRAI has also asked stake holders to define OTT, and a proposal on cost-sharing mechanisms between Telecom Service Providers and OTT services. COAI argues, “OTT communication service providers neither contribute …

Broadband India Forum says it is against selective bans on OTT service
1 year, 4 months ago

Broadband India Forum says it is against selective bans on OTT service

The Hindu  

Broadband India Forum on Monday said it firmly opposes any selective ban on Over-The-Top services as they are adequately regulated under the existing IT Act, 2000, and other associated acts and rules. BIF said that any attempt to introduce new regulatory frameworks could disrupt the existing competitive landscape and compromise consumer benefits and innovation. BIF argues that existing laws, including …

TRAI releases draft Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Repealing Regulations, 2023
1 year, 9 months ago

TRAI releases draft Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Repealing Regulations, 2023

Live Mint  

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has released draft Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Repealing Regulations, 2023, inviting comments of stakeholders. The TRAI notified regulation on quality of service of dial-up and leased line internet access service, 2001 on 10th December 2001. The draft Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Repealing Regulations, 2022 regulation is available on TRAI website www.trai.gov.in and shall …

Draft Indian Telecommunication Bill, 2022
2 years, 2 months ago

Draft Indian Telecommunication Bill, 2022

The Hindu  

Published : Nov 03, 2022 10:25 IST The draft Indian Telecommunications Bill, 2022, which intends to consolidate laws on the provision, development, and expansion of telecommunication services, networks, infrastructure, and spectrum has passed one more stage—public scrutiny. The Bill does not reflect many of the concerns pertaining to surveillance, Internet shutdowns, and licensing and seems in many ways to be …

Letting go of a chance to democratise telecom services
2 years, 3 months ago

Letting go of a chance to democratise telecom services

The Hindu  

October 01, 2022 12:16 am | Updated 11:07 am IST The draft Indian Telecommunication Bill, 2022 — published for public consultation on September 21, 2022 — aims to create a legal framework attuned to the realities of the 21st century to ensure India’s socio-economic development. The definition for such services has been significantly expanded under Clause 2 of the Telecom …

DoT Introduces New Telecom Bill To Focus On Regulation Of Internet-Based Services
2 years, 3 months ago

DoT Introduces New Telecom Bill To Focus On Regulation Of Internet-Based Services

ABP News  

The Department of Telecommunications has introduced a new draft Bill with the focus to regulate the internet-based services in the country and seeks to replace the existing legal framework governing telecommunications in the country, reported ANI. The Centre believes India needs a legal framework attuned to the realities of the 21st century, explanatory note to the Bill proposed to be …

India looking to regulate WhatsApp, Telegram, and other internet calling and messaging apps
2 years, 4 months ago

India looking to regulate WhatsApp, Telegram, and other internet calling and messaging apps

India Today  

The Department of Telecom has reached out to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India for its opinion on developing a framework to regulate internet calling and messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and others. The Department has now sought a comprehensive reference from TRAI for internet telephony and over-the-top players.” Meanwhile, the telecom companies are also requesting the government to …

Need to overhaul regulatory structure to promote technology development: Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw
2 years, 10 months ago

Need to overhaul regulatory structure to promote technology development: Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

India TV News  

The government is looking to overhaul the regulatory structure to facilitate the development of technology and interaction with industry as a partner and not as adversaries, telecom minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Sunday. We need to really overhaul our entire regulatory set-up in terms of the legal structure, regulatory execution structure, the way our government bodies think, people are trained, …

5G Expected to Roll Out in India by End of Next Year: Govt at IMC 2021
3 years, 1 month ago

5G Expected to Roll Out in India by End of Next Year: Govt at IMC 2021

News 18  

Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday sought suggestions from industry stakeholders to usher in more reforms in the sector and place Indian regulatory framework at par with the best in the world. While speaking at India Mobile Congress event, Vaishnaw invited views of telecom players to spread digital connectivity across the country for inclusive development. The government had announced a …

WhatsApp, Skype Steer Clear of Regulations as TRAI Verdict Dampens Telcos' Hopes
4 years, 3 months ago

WhatsApp, Skype Steer Clear of Regulations as TRAI Verdict Dampens Telcos' Hopes

News 18  

WhatsApp, Zoom, Skype and other internet-based communications services have received a favourable verdict from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, in an impending appeal that was seeking to impose regulatory restrictions on internet-driven communication services. This goes against India’s telecom operators, who had claimed that since OTT apps offer competitive services as telcos, they too should fall under similar regulatory …

No Regulations Needed Now For Over-the-Top(OTT) Communication Services Such As Facebook, Whatsapp: TRAI
4 years, 4 months ago

No Regulations Needed Now For Over-the-Top(OTT) Communication Services Such As Facebook, Whatsapp: TRAI

Live Law  

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has said that no regulatory intervention was needed at the moment on issues related to privacy and security of over-the-top communication services such as Facebook, Whatsapp, Skype, Viber etc. "It is not an opportune moment to recommend a comprehensive regulatory framework for various aspects of services referred to as OTT services, beyond the. "It …

Pesky call rules not targeting any specific company, says Telecom Regulatory Authority Chairman RS Sharma
6 years, 5 months ago

Pesky call rules not targeting any specific company, says Telecom Regulatory Authority Chairman RS Sharma

Firstpost  

TRAI chief sought to clear the air around the regulator’s ongoing faceoff with Apple not allowing TRAI’s Do Not Disturb app on the iOS platform New Delhi: Telecom regulator TRAI on Tuesday said its rules on curbing pesky calls do not target any specific player or operating system, and advocated that consumers must have the freedom to report unsolicited commercial …

Internet remains free and fair in India as neutrality gets the nod
6 years, 6 months ago

Internet remains free and fair in India as neutrality gets the nod

Live Mint  

New Delhi: Internet access in India will remain unfettered with the government accepting the telecom regulator’s recommendations to introduce one of the strongest net neutrality protections in the world. Net neutrality requires service providers to treat all internet traffic equally and prohibits discrimination in the treatment of content, including practices such as degrading, slowing down or granting preferential speeds. Licence …

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