Telecommunications Act, 2023

The Telecommunication Act 2023 (Act) has been passed by Parliament. The Act aims to modernize and consolidate the regulatory framework on telecommunications and to boost the sector's growth. First released for consultation in 2022, the Act will repeal the archaic Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933. The Act removes references to services like Internet-based communications, OTT communications from the definition of telecom services but retains the underlying broad definitions for 'telecommunication' and 'message', because of which, concerns the Act can potentially apply to a broad range of IT and digital services continues to persist. The Act also shifts to a simplified authorization regime – from the existing licensing regime – and permits administrative allocation of spectrum for satellite services. It continues to provide the government with broad powers to take over telecommunication services and networks and increases the