New Delhi: The government issued the Indian Telecommunications Bill 2022 on Wednesday to give more convenience to the telecom sector. In this, many new rules have been included to make telecom services more affordable and give relief to companies.
The Department of Telecommunications (DOT) said that under the new bill, there is a provision to give exemption in fees and penalties to telecom and internet service providers. Apart from this, if the telecom or internet provider surrenders his license, then the fee will be refunded to him. Sharing the link of the draft bill on social media platforms, Union Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnav asked that people’s suggestions are needed on this and by October 20, the public can give their suggestions on the bill. After that, it will be finalized.
https://dot.gov.in/relatedlinks/indian-telecommunication-bill-2022
what will be the convenience?
According to the draft bill prepared, the central government can completely or partially exempt telecom and internet service providers in fees. This will include entry fees, license fees, registration fees, and other types of fees and charges. Apart from this, license holders and registered entities can also be exempted from interest, additional charges, and penalties. The bill also proposes to exempt from interception press messages published in India by correspondents accredited to the central or state government.
Powers with the government
Additionally, the government has been empowered to direct that message or class of messages, to or from any person or class of persons shall not be transmitted, or shall be intercepted or detained or disclosed to the officer mentioned in such order, in case of any public emergency or in the interest of the public safety. In times of war or national security issues, the government can take over the control and management of, suspend the operation of or entrust any authority of the Government to manage any or all of any telecommunication services. The government can also suspend any communication. The telecom ministry has put up the draft for public consultation and stakeholders can send their comments by October 20.
The Bill clearly states that in case of any public emergency or in the interest of public safety, sovereignty, integrity or security of India, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, or incitement to an offense This exemption cannot be given to stop. Under the draft, in any such case, the government can intercept the message or it can also be interrogated. Officers will also be authorized by the government to look into such matters.
