DoT floats consultation paper on revamp of telecom rules to keep pace with change in technology
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The Department of Telecom (DoT) has floated a consultation paper on the revamp of telecom rules mainly to keep pace with the change in technology like 5G, simplify laws and promote investments. The new rules will not be applicable with retrospective effect to cause any adverse impact on the relevant entity.
According to the consultation paper, a new law on telecommunication needs to aim at establishing an enabling future-ready framework for the development of telecommunication sector and deployment of new technologies. Such a law needs to consolidate the existing laws governing telecommunication sector, while keeping in view global best practices. The government has proposed that the new framework should be drafted in a plain and simple language so that any citizen is able to understand the rules. The proposed law is envisaged to provide adequate provisions to ensure regulatory certainty and promote investment. This would mean continuity of licenses and authorizations under the old regime.
The paper further said to minimize policy disruption, such a law needs to provide for continuation of rules, guidelines, administrative orders issued under the existing regime until superseded by new rules. Furthermore, a new law needs to ensure that the terms and conditions will not be modified with retrospective effect to the detriment of the relevant entity. The proposal has come at a time when the country is gearing up to start a spectrum auction for rolling out 5G services.
