Telecom Bill 2023: India modernizes connectivity

 टेलीकॉम बिल 2023: भारत कनेक्टिविटी का आधुनिकीकरण करता है 

•  Passing of new legislation

  The Indian Parliament recently passed the Telecommunications Bill 2023, which replaces old rules to upgrade connectivity and introduce innovative services, especially satellite-based internet.  The bill got approval in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, allowing companies like OneWeb, Starlink and Amazon's Kuiper to access spectrum for satellite internet without participating in auctions.

•   Increasing Connectivity

  With 1.17 billion phone connections and 881 million internet users, India aims to boost its satellite broadband services.  Initially faced with opposition, even major players in the satellite broadband market like competitor Reliance Jio now support this method of spectrum allocation.

•   Role of government and security measures

  This bill gives more powers to the government to manage telecommunications and monitor data for national security interests.  This development allows for better regulation and ensures the security of the country's communications networks.

•   Major measures introduced

  To prevent fraud, the bill introduces measures such as biometric authentication for customers and sets limits on the number of SIM cards a customer can use.  It also imposes penalty for violating the sections and defined terms and conditions specified in the law.

•    Minister's viewpoint

  IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the importance of the bill as a structural reform that aims to revolutionize the telecom sector and address past issues.  He emphasized the transformative potential of the Bill in reshaping the industry and taking it forward into the future.