On December 24, 2023, the Telecommunications Act, 2023
(Telecom Act) received Presidential assent, and is
expected to be notified for enforcement soon. As per its
provisions, the Telecom Act may be brought into force fully or in a
phased manner, i.e. different dates may be appointed for enactment
of its varied provisions.
The Telecom Act seeks to amend and consolidate laws relating to
development and operation of telegraphs and telecommunication
networks, possession of radio equipment, and repeal the current
enactments namely the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and Indian
Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933 and the rules framed thereunder, and
amend provisions of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, 1997
(Current Laws). Part III of the Indian Telegraph
Act, 1885 will continue to apply to laying of transmission lines
under the Section 164 of the Electricity Act, 2003.
