A new rule is set to be implemented from September 15 for millions of telecom users in India. The rule, recommended by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), is expected to be enacted after the Lok Sabha elections. It will be part of the Telecom Act 2023. Reports suggest that this rule may come into effect 100 days after the new government is formed.
For the unversed, the Indian Parliament passed the Telecommunications Bill, 2023 on December 20, 2023. The act aims to reform the country's century-old telecom law, based on the Indian Telegraph Act, of 1885, the Wireless Telegraphy Act (1933), and the Telegraph Wires (Unlawful Possession) Act (1950).
The rule encompasses various changes, including mandatory biometric verification for obtaining a new connection to prevent the issuance of fake SIM cards and cyber fraud. In addition to this, clear guidelines have been established for the collection of user data by telecom companies and internet service providers, as well as intermediary companies, to prevent misuse of personal data. The new Telecom Act includes 35 to 37 new provisions to accommodate the evolving technological landscape.
Furthermore, the rule addresses the allocation of spectrum for satellite internet services. TRAI's recommendation to the DoT outlines the allocation of spectrum to satellite companies providing point-to-point connections, rather than those offering direct retail services to customers. The allocation process will be administered to ensure that satellite companies cannot directly benefit, while also preventing any issues for telecom companies.
In order to launch satellite internet services in India, companies will have to purchase spectrum from the government.
Meanwhile, in the recent updates, around 1.8 million mobile numbers will be blocked by the leading telecom companies in India. This move is considered to be the biggest action ever taken by the government against cybercrime and online fraud. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) reportedly issued an order to disconnect over 28,000 mobile handsets that were being used for cybercrime. The government has now instructed the telecom companies to block several mobile numbers that were used in the blocked handsets.
