New Telecommunications Act: From SIM card limit to change in licensing, these telecom rules changed from June 26

New rules under some sections of the Telecommunications Act 2023 have become effective from today, June 26. The new Act builds on the existing and legacy regulatory infrastructure for the telecom sector based on the Indian Telegraph Act 1885, the Wireless Telegraphy Act (1933) and the Telegraph Wire (Unlawful Encroachment) Act (1950). Will take place of.

Special points of the new rules

This new Act recognizes the rapid growth in the telecom sector and aims to promote innovation. This is evident in the introduction of ‘regulatory sandboxes’ that facilitate the testing and deployment of new technologies.

The Act also abolishes the licensing system and replaces it with a more streamlined authorization system. This may simplify the process for companies wishing to enter the telecom market.

This Act empowers the government to take control of telecom services and networks during emergencies related to national security, public order or prevention of crimes.

This act recognizes the importance of a free press. Messages sent by legitimately accredited journalists are generally exempt from monitoring. But they are banned if the content is related to national security because it poses a potential threat.

Special focus on consumer protection

Along with the new law, consumer protection has also been given importance. Under this, the limit of SIM card has also been limited. Under this new law, a person can register a maximum of nine SIM cards across the country.

Whereas in Jammu and Kashmir and North-Eastern states this limit has been reduced to six. This will help in preventing SIM card related scams.

Additionally, the Act imposes heavy penalties for violating regulations. If you keep more SIM cards than the limit, then a fine ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 2 lakh is imposed on you.

Similarly, obtaining a SIM card through fraud can result in jail and a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh.

Apart from this, under the new Act, people will also get rid of commercial messages, if the operators do not agree to this then the operator will have to pay a fine of up to Rs 2 lakh.

Under this, the government gets the right to give permission to install mobile towers or lay telecommunication cables on private properties. This can accelerate the development of infrastructure for better network coverage.