Draft Telecom Bill: What does it say, why there is controversy over it

The bill provides a regulatory framework for spelling out the govt's role in telecommunication services and networks; telecommunication equipment and infrastructure; and spectrum and its assignment

A draft bill that proposes to regulate Indian telecom has prompted debate among companies and citizens alike, given its wide scope and impact. 'Business Standard' explains what the bill proposes, why it is controversial, and when will it become law.

Draft telecom bill

On September 21, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) released the draft Indian Telecommunications 2022 bill to replace three laws made many decades ago. The legislation updates terms for telecommunications in the modern age.

The 40-page bill provides a regulatory framework for three key areas, spelling out the government’s role in telecommunication services and networks; telecommunication equipment and