The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has directed states to “mandatorily” implement the recently notified Right of Way (RoW) rules under the Telecommunications Act, bypassing the need for a formal adoption process. Unlike the earlier system, where RoW rules required state-level adoption and charges varied across regions, the new regulations—effective from January 1, 2025—must be uniformly enforced nationwide. This change is expected to aid telecom operators and infrastructure providers in deploying and maintaining telecom towers and laying optical fibre more efficiently.
In a communication to state chief secretaries, Neeraj Mittal, secretary, DoT, requested confirmation by November 30, 2024, that states would upgrade their RoW portals by January 1, 2025, as the new rules necessitate digital implementation.
The revised regulations aim to streamline telecom infrastructure deployment, accelerate 5G network rollouts, and significantly transform the industry. According to the Digital Infrastructure Providers Association (DIPA), the rules introduce a simplified process for obtaining RoW permissions, including defined timelines for public entities to respond to applications.
Key provisions include capping various charges to ensure affordability and predictability for telecom providers and enabling the installation of small cells on street furniture to support network densification crucial for 5G and beyond. All applications and correspondence will be handled via a digital portal, enhancing transparency and operational efficiency.
