Telecommunications Act 2023: New Rules Effective from June 26

Effective June 26, 2024, the Telecommunications Act 2023 replaces outdated regulations, allowing the government to control networks for national security and fund research through the Digital Bharat Nidhi. The Act mandates user protection from spam and non-discriminatory network roll-outs.

Effective June 26, 2024, the new rules under the Telecommunications Act 2023 will replace the outdated telecommunication regulatory framework, which was based on acts from as far back as 1885. This new legislation aims to modernize telecommunications oversight in India and addresses national security concerns by allowing government control over networks when necessary.

Besides focusing on security, the Act introduces the Digital Bharat Nidhi, replacing the Universal Service Obligation Fund. This fund can now support research, development, and pilot projects beyond just establishing telecom services in rural areas. Another crucial aspect of the Act is its user protection measures against spam and malicious communications.

The Act also ensures non-discriminatory and non-exclusive rights for telecom network roll-outs, empowering the central government to set up common ducts and cable corridors to streamline telecommunications infrastructure development.