New Telecommunications Act 2023: Government Can Control Telecom Services in Emergencies

The central government of India will have the authority to take control of any telecommunications services or networks during emergencies starting June 26, 2023, under the new Telecommunications Act 2023. This Act was partially notified on June 22 and includes provisions from sections 1, 2, 10, and 30.

Key Provisions:

• The government can take control of telecom services for security, public order, or disaster management.
• Telecom companies must be authorized to operate.
• The Universal Service Obligation Fund will be renamed Digital Bharat Nidhi to support research and development.

Some sections, like the administrative allocation of spectrum and adjudication mechanisms, will be notified later. The Act will replace existing rules under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, and the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933.