Govt likely to table Telecommunications Bill 2023 in Lok Sabha today

17 Dec 2023, 19:23 · Mint Business News - Official Channel · Join

The government is likely to table the Telecommunications Bill 2023 in Lok Sabha on Monday, according to sources.

The Telecommunications Bill 2023 aims to replace the 138-year-old Indian Telegraph Act that governs the telecom sector.

"The President has been informed about the Telecommunications Bill 2023. It is likely to be introduced in Lok Sabha on Monday, December 18," a source told PTI.

Also Read | Zee seeks time on Sony deal as two directors voted out

The Cabinet had cleared the bill in August.

The draft Telecommunications Bill released in 2023 had proposed to bring over-the-top or internet-based calling and messaging apps under the definition of telecommunications to enhance users' safety.

The bill had also proposed to curb the power of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai), on which industry players had raised concerns.

Alsop Read | 'India will remain lower middle income till 2047...': Raghuram Rajan

According to government officials, the issues around over-the-top players and Trai were resolved before it was cleared by the Cabinet.

The draft had proposed to ease some of the rules like refund of fees for licence, registration etc. in case a company surrenders its permit.

Also Read | Joe Biden stands to lose more from third-party candidates than Donald Trump

The new bill proposes the government to be vested with the power to waive off entry fees, licence fee, penalty etc. in the interest of consumers, ensuring competition in the market, availability or continuity of telecom networks, and national security.

Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world 🌏 Click here to know more.

Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!

Govt likely to table Telecommunications Bill 2023 in Lok Sabha today

Also Read | Zee seeks time on Sony deal as two directors voted out

Alsop Read | 'India will remain lower middle income till 2047...': Raghuram Rajan

Also Read | Joe Biden stands to lose more from third-party candidates than Donald Trump

Good news for cross-border trade as govt readies customs pacts

Wanted alive and kicking: New-age product managers

Hollywood's India journey: A plot twist with modest collections in 2023

Mint Primer | J&K: What we know about Truth and Reconciliation commissions

COP28: Of pledges and compromises

FTA, investments and education on table during Oman ruler’s India visit

MCA preps stage for virtual hearings

Data recap: Sensex, inflation, funding winter

New industrial policy goes on the back-burner

The silent migration from India’s cyclone capital