New Delhi: In a wide-ranging interview with The Hindu, India's IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw extolled the virtues of the recently passed Telecom Act, 2023, outlining its transformative potential for the country's telecommunications landscape. The Act, dubbed a "set of real structural reforms," promises long-term stability and fosters an environment conducive to innovation and growth.
Key Highlights of the Telecom Act:
Spectrum Reforms: Moving away from a license-permit regime, the Act streamlines spectrum allocation through calculated long-term authorizations, with auctions conducted as per Supreme Court guidelines. Unused spectrum can be shared or surrendered, and band harmonization promotes efficient utilization.
Boosting Innovation: A dedicated "sandbox" empowers academia to experiment with cutting-edge technologies, while streamlined Right of Way processes facilitate swift telecom infrastructure development.
Dispute Resolution: A four-tier structure ensures swift and fair resolution of disputes, while self-reporting mechanisms for telecom companies and online grievance redressal for consumers provide additional layers of protection.
Digital Bharat Nidhi: The revamped Universal Services Obligation Fund, now christened Digital Bharat Nidhi, expands its scope beyond rural connectivity to encompass research and development initiatives.
National Security Safeguards: Provisions empowering the government to take over telecommunications networks in exceptional circumstances, a practice prevalent globally, are deemed crucial for national security.
Interception Framework: The existing regime, established in 1996 and affirmed by the Supreme Court, remains in place, ensuring a time-tested and balanced approach.
Addressing Concerns:
Regulation of OTT Apps: While the Act doesn't explicitly regulate OTT platforms like WhatsApp, Vaishnaw emphasizes that existing regulatory frameworks for digital domains like fintech and content streaming remain applicable. He underscores the dynamic nature of allocations of business rules, adaptable to accommodate technological advancements.
Aadhaar for SIM Cards: Biometric authentication, including alternatives to Aadhaar, is mandated for obtaining SIM cards, a practice deemed essential for KYC compliance and aligning with international norms.
Safe Harbor Principles: Vaishnaw acknowledges the evolving global discourse on social media accountability and suggests potential revisions to the safe harbor principle in light of widespread social media usage.
US-China Tech Divide: He dismisses speculations of India aligning with either bloc, emphasizing the collaborative nature of global telecommunications governed by the International Telecommunication Union.
Export Potential of Indian Technology: Vaishnaw expresses his optimism regarding the export potential of India's indigenous 4G technology, with growing interest from 18 countries already evident.
A Vision for the Future:
Vaishnaw's interview paints a vivid picture of a vibrant telecommunications future for India, driven by the Telecom Act's forward-looking provisions. From fostering innovation and ensuring robust infrastructure to enhancing national security and promoting global collaboration, the Act lays a strong foundation for India's continued digital ascendancy.
