The government has issued gazetted notification on July 4, 2024 for enforcing section 6-8, 48 and 59(b) of the Indian Telecommunications Act 2023 w.e.f. July 5, 2024.
The salient features of the sections that have been brought into force with effect from July 5, 2024 are:
- Optimal utilisation of spectrum: The Act provides legal framework for efficient utilisation of scarce spectrum through processes such as secondary assignment, sharing, trading, leasing and surrender of spectrum. It also enables the utilisation of spectrum in a flexible, liberalised and technologically neutral manner. It also empowers the government to establish an enforcement and monitoring mechanism for the purpose.
- Prohibition of use of equipment which block telecommunications: The Act prescribes, with immediate effect, the use of any equipment which blocks telecommunication, unless permitted by the government.
- Criteria for appointment as chairperson and members of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI): Section 59(b) of the Act will amend section 4 of the TRAI Act 1997 and prescribes criteria for appointment of chairperson and members of TRAI.
Furthermore, one major aspect that is being covered in the latest notification is the focus of the government on increasing efficiency in spectrum utilisation and various modes of achieving the same like secondary assignment, sharing/trading etc.
